Collage Photo

PARBATIPUR, Dinajpur, May 24, 2025 (BSS) - The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025 was observed today at LAMB Hospital in Parbatipur upazila of Dinajpur with a renewed call for building an obstetric fistula-free Bangladesh by 2030.

LAMB Hospital, Stop Suffering Female Genital Fistula (SS-FGS) project, Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei) project, Community Health and Development Program (CHDP), and Lamb Learning and Development Centre (LLDC) organized colourful programmes marking the day, with technical support from Women Hope International (WHI) and UNFPA Bangladesh.

The theme of the day this year is: 'Let's ensure the health rights of women with fistulas, build a country free of obstetric fistula.'

To mark the day, a colorful rally was brought out this morning from the hospital premises and marched through Mission Bazaar in Parbatipur upazila town. Midwifery and nursing students, along with doctors, took part in the rally. An awareness-raising street play was also performed on the occasion.

Following the rally, a discussion was held at the hospital premises.

Later, SS-FGS Project Manager Shailas Baskey and FRRei Project Manager Mahatab Liton delivered welcome speeches at the discussion, highlighting the significance of the day and the medical, social, and psychological aspects of obstetric fistula.

Three fistula survivors from different districts-Begum, Subodh, and Mala-then shared their personal stories and painful experiences of suffering from obstetric fistula for many years.

Speakers discussed the causes behind the intolerable but preventable condition, available cost-free treatment facilities, and ongoing rehabilitation activities for fistula patients.

They elaborated on the services being provided to fistula patients by LAMB Hospital, various medical college hospitals, district and upazila level hospitals, and union-level health service facilities for identifying and referring patients for treatment.

Mahatab Liton briefly explained the causes of obstetric fistula and the cost-free treatment facilities available in Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.

He stressed the need to eliminate obstetric fistula-a devastating injury in which an abnormal opening forms between a woman's bladder and vagina, causing urinary incontinence, chronic health issues, depression, and social isolation.

Shailas Baskey emphasized the importance of creating social awareness to prevent child marriage and child pregnancy, and to ensure safe institutional deliveries and quality surgeries to eliminate obstetric fistula.

Pratap Barman, Training Coordinator of LLDC-LAMB, moderated the programme.