Obstetric fistula is a traumatic childbirth injury. It results from prolonged, obstructed labour, which generally occurs when women struggle to access timely, high-quality maternal health care, resulting in uncontrollable leaking or urine and/or faeces.

The condition often leaves women shamed and shunned from society. Left untreated, obstetric fistula causes lifelong morbidity with severe medical, social, psychological and economic consequences. 

Fistula is completely preventable. By ensuring skilled birth attendants and care are available during deliveries and with timely access to quality emergency obstetric care, fistula can be  prevented. 

Fistula is also treatable, yet many women and girls continue to live with stigma and shame, completely isolated from their families. This is because many women and girls with the condition may not know that treatment and surgery is available that can transform their lives and help regain their dignity. In other instances, access to these services may also be challenging for women and girls, while the cost for the surgery can also deter women and girls from seeking services. 

Over the past two decades, UNFPA has supported 140,000 fistula repair surgeries; over 12,000 women and girls received social reintegration support between 2018 and 2023.   

UNFPA also ensures that governments around the world remain committed to strengthening the midwifery cadre because midwives provide the majority of first-line maternity care and are key to preventing fistula and other childbirth injuries. Yet, in 2021, the global shortage of midwives is estimated at 900,000.

Finally, UNFPA advocates for targeted investments to be made that uphold the rights and dignity of women and girls, so we can save lives and eradicate childbirth injuries forever, and for all. 

Millions of lives on the line. 

Investing to ensure equitable access to quality maternal health services can prevent fistula cases from happening – and women and girls from dying preventable deaths.