How to Heal the Hidden Wounds? Time to Bring Fistula to the Forefront of Reproductive Health
“Bangladesh has earned global accolades for reductions in maternal mortality, yet when it comes to sustained access to skilled healthcare professionals for women, we have a long way to go,” said a health advocate. According to a report by this daily, 20,000 women in Bangladesh suffer from fistula. Despite advancements in maternal healthcare, a significant number of women, especially those from poorer backgrounds, continue to suffer in silence from this preventable condition.
Obstetric fistula, the most common type, is often the result of prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. Other types, such as iatrogenic fistula, can occur due to surgical errors during c-sections, while traumatic fistula results from sexual violence. Women with fistula face severe incontinence, depression, and social isolation, highlighting the urgent need for improved reproductive health services.
The prevalence of fistula underscores a broader issue of inequality in Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Many women in urban slums prefer to give birth at home due to poverty and lack of access to quality healthcare. Consequently, they miss out on essential antenatal care (ANC) check-ups, increasing the risk of complications like fistula. The silence surrounding reproductive health issues exacerbates the problem, as cultural taboos prevent many women from seeking help.
Globally, nearly half a million women suffer from fistula, a stark reminder of the inequities in reproductive healthcare. The true number of affected women in Bangladesh is likely higher than reported, as many cases go unrecorded due to social stigma. This situation calls for urgent action to prioritise maternal healthcare for the poor and to ensure no woman is left behind.
To address this issue, the government must enhance coordination among healthcare providers and ensure that community clinics are fully operational and offer regular antenatal check-ups. Training for surgeons is essential to prevent surgical errors that can cause fistula. On a policy level, eradicating child marriage and ensuring access to quality obstetric services are crucial steps to prevent fistula.
Moreover, breaking the silence around fistula requires community awareness and support. Women need to feel empowered to speak openly about their reproductive health issues. By fostering a culture of openness and support, we can reduce the stigma associated with fistula and encourage more women to seek the help they need.
The fight against fistula is a fight for reproductive rights and equality. By prioritising maternal healthcare and addressing the root causes of fistula, Bangladesh can ensure that all women have access to the care they deserve. Let us break the silence and work towards a future where no woman suffers from fistula in isolation.
Source: The Daily Star
Picture Credit: Tareq Salahuddin/The Daily Star