Photo : BSS

GAIBANDHA, May 26, 2025 (BSS) - The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was observed in the district, as elsewhere across the globe today, with a call to build an obstetric fistula-free country by 2030.

Marking the day, the Civil Surgeon's Office here chalked out elaborate programmes in cooperation with UNFPA Bangladesh-funded LAMB Hospital, an NGO assisting the government in identifying obstetric fistula patients at the field level and referring them to government hospitals for appropriate treatment.

On the occasion, a rally was brought out from the Civil Surgeon's Office premises around 10 am that ended at the same venue after parading the main roads of the town.

Later, a discussion meeting on the significance of the day was held at the conference room of the CS office with CS Dr Rafiquzzaman in the chair.

Dr Md Shaheen Akter, field officer of UNFPA, highlighted the role of LAMB Hospital in eliminating obstetric fistula from the command areas under the UNFPA Bangladesh-funded FRRei project.

Earlier, a presentation on obstetric fistula was delivered by Dr Tahera Akter Moni, senior consultant at Gaibandha General Hospital.

In her presentation, Dr Moni said surgeries had been performed on 172 obstetric fistula patients in the district since 2012, and they are now leading normal lives.

She also underscored the need for early identification of fistula patients and bringing them under treatment at government hospitals, including Rangpur Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.

Dr Rafiquzzaman said obstetric fistula is one of the most serious childbirth injuries, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical care. It leads to incontinence, chronic health issues, depression, social isolation, and poverty.

A large number of health officials and staff, as well as activists from various NGOs, including GUK, SKS Foundation, and Friendship, attended the programme.