RAJSHAHI, August 12, 2022 (BSS)- Sensible and effective role of the
journalists, working in print, electronic and online media, can be the best
ways of bringing the patients suffering from obstetric fistula under
treatment and rehabilitation.
The patients are getting the support of treatment and rehabilitation free of
cost as many of the government and non-government organisations concerned are
working in this field setting the target of freeing the country from
obstetric fistula by 2030.
So, utmost emphasis should be given on reaching the messages about the cost-
free treatment and rehabilitation facilities to the patients suffering from
the disease in different parts of the region, particularly in its remote and
hard-to-reach areas.
Experts and development activists came up with the observation while
addressing an advocacy meeting with print and electronic media journalists on
obstetric fistula at Taz Community Centre in Puthiya upazila of the district
on Thursday afternoon.
UNFPA Bangladesh and Lamb Hospital hosted the meeting under the FRReI project
titled "Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating
and Reintegrating in Bangladesh" sensitizing the media personnel on how to
remove the sufferings of the patients.
LAMB Project Manager Mahatab Liton, its Deputy Project Manager Dr Tahamina
Khatun and District Coordinator Ruhul amin Mridha addressed the meeting as
resource persons disseminating their expertise on the issue.
The attending journalists were told that obstetric fistula is one of the most
serious and tragic childbirth injuries. A hole between the birth canal and
bladder and or rectum, it is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without
access to timely, high-quality medical treatment.
It leaves women with incontinence problems, and often leads to chronic
medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty.
However, the problem is preventable with the correct medical assistance and
its occurrence is a violation of human rights and a reminder of gross
inequities.
So, concerted efforts of all authorities concerned, including the media, has
become crucial to mitigate the problem.
The LAMB Hospital is implementing need-based programmes including case
Identification from the community, referral for diagnosis, timely management,
motivation, counseling, follow up and comprehensive rehabilitation and
reintegration to free the society from obstetric fistula by 2030.