As the world marks the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) 2024, Ghana has made significant progress in reducing cases of obstetric fistula, a devastating condition that affects thousands of women and girls worldwide.
In a resolute move to combat the pressing maternal health challenge, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ghana joined forces with the government of Ghana and other stakeholders in the country to launch a collaborative initiative, aptly named ‘Partnership to End Obstetric Fistula in Ghana (PEFIG),’ which aimed to put an end to obstetric fistula, a preventable maternal morbidity that has plagued countless women in the country.
The partnership, which was birthed in December 2023, has since its inception mobilized a substantial amount of resources and has helped solve a number of obstetric fistula cases in the country.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 2024 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on Thursday May 23, 2024, UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. David Wilfred Ochan, noted that Ghana has made considerable progress in efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula since last year’s commemoration.
“The novel partnership to end obstetric fistula in Ghana (PEFIG) was launched by Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, on the 6th of December 2023. Since then, PEFIG has collectively mobilized and leveraged USD 405,000 to support OF programming, including the reintegration of repaired clients,” he said.
Dr. Ochan emphasized that the commemoration of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is not just another talk shop, but an opportunity to take stock of what has changed since last year’s commemoration and to chart a common course forward through stronger partnerships and policy-level actions.
“We are reemphasizing positivity around fistula, a shift from the norm of doom and gloom associated with the condition. We are creating visibility for our unsung heroes, fistula survivors, who are featuring prominently in today’s agenda as Co-Master of Ceremony and poet,” he added.
Despite the progress made, Dr. Ochan noted that approximately 1,300 new cases of fistula occur every year in Ghana, and this means that the yearly campaign to end this devastating condition still needs urgent and increased efforts.
“We need to take pragmatic steps to identify gaps and accelerate our efforts towards integrated fistula programming and quality healthcare delivery,” he urged.
The UNFPA Country Representative emphasized that ending obstetric fistula requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, and individuals.
“Let us use the commemoration of the International Day to end Obstetric Fistula as a catalyst for action. Let us renew our commitment to the women and girls of Ghana and let us continue working without relenting to ensure that every mother, every daughter, and every sister has access to quality healthcare,” he said.
Further speaking, the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo-Addo, while launching the 2024 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, emphasized the need for collective action to address the healthcare gaps that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential for health and well-being.
She highlighted the importance of developing resilient health systems to address the challenges that prevent safe reproductive health outcomes and acknowledged Ghana’s successes in developing efficient health systems, but stressed that more needs to be done to address the remaining challenges.
The First Lady further expressed optimism about the permanent treatment of obstetric fistula through surgery and praised the Partnership to End Fistula In Ghana (PEFIG), which has enabled the correction of 50 cases last year, compared to the 8–10 reports done annually in the past.
She urged other corporate organizations to join the partnership for increased impact and announced that her office has already committed to 20 fistula repairs under the partnership.
“We must address the barriers to healthcare that affect women and girls, who will make the ultimate sacrifice of producing the next generation. By being here, we are all affirming our commitment to resolve the challenges that we still have in Ghana,” the First Lady said.
The Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana, Ingrid Mollestad, who was also present at the event, reiterated Norway’s commitment to ending obstetric fistula and promoting gender equality and female sexual and reproductive health.
Speaking at the commemoration, Ambassador Mollestad emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding women’s sexual and reproductive health.
“We should all realize that there is still a stigma surrounding women’s sexual and reproductive health… a stigma and shame that should not be. The fight against fistula integrates awareness of what is actually a bigger picture, and that we should all take with us, that women’s bodies, the processes that women go through during childbirth and pregnancy, is not shameful and we should talk about it openly and fight it openly,” Ambassador Mollestad said.
She praised the different speakers for bringing different perspectives to the discussion and emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the issue.
“Bearing child, delivering, caring for a baby should be a joyous occasion… and it’s so touching and so shocking that this period in time becomes overshadowed by complicated deliveries, suffering, isolation, and stigma,” she said.
Norway is a proud donor to the UNFPA globally, and Ambassador Mollestad reiterated Norway’s commitment to promoting gender equality and female sexual and reproductive health.
“We are proud of this initiative approach, and I’m so happy that I’m here today, and we reiterate our commitment,” she said.
Speaking to UniversNews after the event, Charity Ahadzie who is the Team Lead of the Women Banking Unit at Access Bank Ghana PLC, one of the private institutions in PEFIG, reiterated the bank’s dedication to eliminating obstetric fistula nationwide and emphasized the bank’s unwavering support for both prevention and treatment initiatives.
Themed “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Obstetric Fistula in Ghana,” the event highlighted the bank’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for women and their families. Ahadzie stressed that empowering women is crucial, as they are the foundation of society.
“When women’s well-being is intact and they are empowered, their families and, by extension, Ghanaian society will benefit,” she noted.
The bank’s support for the fight against obstetric fistula stems from its belief in women’s empowerment. Ahadzie mentioned that the Managing Director of Access Bank Ghana, Mr. Olumide Olatunji, is passionate about this cause, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to combating fistula alongside other partners.
Access Bank Ghana PLC’s dedication to eradicating obstetric fistula demonstrates its commitment to improving the lives of women and their families. By supporting prevention and treatment efforts, the bank is helping to break the cycle of this debilitating condition and promote a healthier, more empowered society.
Also, one of the Obstetric Fistula survivors, Mrs. Miriam Appiah called on the government and the other institutions present at the event to come to the aid of all obstetric fistula victims and survivors nationwide. This, she believes, will strengthen these women and salvage their livelihoods.
“We beg our mother, our first lady, and the other partners to come to our aid because we are really suffering. The purchase of diapers and other sanitary materials is very difficult for some of us fistula victims. We plead with everyone to come to our aid so that we can be able to maintain our livelihood and dignity,” she said.
Ghana’s progress in reducing obstetric fistula cases is a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, partnership, and collective action.
As the world continues to fight against this devastating condition, Ghana’s success serves as a beacon of hope for thousands of women and girls worldwide.
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Story by: Kelly Adjetey Boye | univers.ug.edu.gh
