Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has urged a united effort to tackle obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury affecting many Ghanaian women.
Speaking at an event marking the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, Mrs. Akufo-Addo highlighted the need to:
- Increase education and awareness about obstetric fistula within communities.
- Encourage women affected by the condition to seek medical treatment.
She emphasized that poverty, early marriage, female genital mutilation, and a lack of skilled birth attendants contribute to the prevalence of obstetric fistula.
Here are some key takeaways from the event:
- Surgery can treat obstetric fistula.
- Proper prenatal care and quality delivery services are crucial for prevention.
- Childhood marriages leading to adolescent pregnancy are a major risk factor.
- Fistula victims often face social stigma due to the condition’s symptoms.
- The UNFPA remains committed to collaborating with Ghana to eradicate obstetric fistula.
By working together, Ghana can improve maternal health, empower women, and end the suffering caused by obstetric fistula.
