News

Keflene Yakobo is now a fistula ambassador in her community, helping other women receive treatment and reclaim their lives. © UNFPA Tanzania/Bright Warren

22 May, 2019

Ending obstetric fistula: Devastating and preventable childbirth injury continues to haunt women

SIMIYU, United Republic of Tanzania – Keflene Yakobo tried to do everything right during her pregnancy. Though she was young – married at age 17 and pregnant at 19 – she was diligent about receiving regular check ups. “I started attending antenatal clinics as soon as I realized I was pregnant, and...

Farah* recently received surgical treatment for obstetric fistula. She says she can now "live a normal life." © UNFPA Afghanistan

22 May, 2019

Treatment for traumatic childbirth injury gives new hope to women in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – “I saw myself as the living dead,” 50-year-old Laila* told UNFPA. She suffered terribly while giving birth in Pakistan 27 years ago. The prolonged, obstructed labour left her with an obstetric fistula – one of the most serious injuries that can occur during childbirth. The...

20 September, 2018

After decades of suffering, fistula survivors in Nepal find reprieve

DHARAN, Nepal – At the age of 17, Palesh Devi Rajdhobi was married off to a man she had never met. One year later, she gave birth to her first child. Then another, and another. When she was pregnant with her sixth, she knew something was wrong. “By the time I was taken to the hospital, it was...