RAJSHAHI, Nov 1, 2022 (BSS)- Effective and sensible role of the journalists,
working in print, electronic and online media, can be the crucial means of
bringing the patients suffering from obstetric fistula under treatment and
rehabilitation.
 
Many of the government and non-government organisations concerned are
providing need-based supports related to treatment and rehabilitation free of
cost to the patients as the government has set the target of freeing the
country from obstetric fistula by 2030.
 
So, there is no way but to reach the messages about the cost-free treatment
and rehabilitation facilities to the patients suffering from the chronic
disease in different parts of the region, particularly in its remote and
hard-to-reach areas.
 
Experts and development activists made the observation while addressing an
advocacy meeting with electronic and print media: On End Obstetric Fistula in
Rajshahi District at the conference hall of Tanore Upazila Health Complex in
the district on Monday.
 
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.
 
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Farid Hossain addressed the
discussion as chief guest, while President of Tanore Press Club Sayeed Sazu
in the chair.
LAMB Project Manager Mahatab Liton, its Deputy Project Manager Dr Tahamina
Khatun, District Coordinator Ruhul Amin Mridha and Monitoring Coordinator
Sadia Akter 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.