International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, observed annually on May 23, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about obstetric fistula—a severe childbirth injury that predominantly affects women in low-resource settings. This day emphasizes the importance of prevention, treatment, and reintegration efforts to eliminate this preventable condition.​

History of International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized May 23 as the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula in 2012, with the first observance taking place in 2013. This designation built upon the efforts of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which launched the global Campaign to End Fistula in 2003. The campaign aimed to address the root causes of obstetric fistula and mobilize resources for prevention and treatment. ​¹

Since its inception, the day has served as a platform to highlight the plight of women and girls living with obstetric fistula, advocate for their rights, and promote actions to eliminate the condition. Various organizations, including UNFPA and its partners, have utilized this day to launch initiatives, share success stories, and call for increased investment in maternal health services.

Why is International Day to End Obstetric Fistula important?

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury resulting from prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention. It leads to chronic incontinence, social isolation, and psychological trauma. Despite being preventable and treatable, it remains a neglected public health issue, affecting an estimated 2 million women globally, with 50,000 to 100,000 new cases each year. ​

The day underscores the urgent need for equitable access to quality maternal healthcare, including skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric services. It also highlights the importance of addressing underlying factors such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education, which contribute to the prevalence of obstetric fistula.

• Raises awareness about a preventable and treatable condition affecting marginalized women
• Advocates for improved maternal healthcare services and infrastructure
• Highlights the need for social reintegration and support for fistula survivors
• Encourages investment in training healthcare professionals and community education
• Promotes global partnerships to achieve the goal of ending fistula by 2030

How to Observe International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Observing this day can involve various activities aimed at education, advocacy, and support. Individuals and organizations can participate in awareness campaigns, share information on social media, and host events to discuss the impact of obstetric fistula and the importance of maternal health.​

Supporting organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation services for fistula survivors is another meaningful way to contribute. Additionally, advocating for policies that improve access to quality maternal healthcare can help address the root causes of obstetric fistula.​

• Share educational resources about obstetric fistula on social media platforms
• Organize or attend webinars and community discussions on maternal health
• Support NGOs working to prevent and treat obstetric fistula through donations or volunteering
• Advocate for improved maternal healthcare policies and infrastructure
• Engage in storytelling to amplify the voices of fistula survivors and raise awareness​

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula Dates Table

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-fistula-day[↩]