Editorial
Obstretric Fistula, a silent killer among women
Obstretric fistula is a silent killer among Ghanaian women and the larger global womenfolk.
It is caused primarily by prolonged or obstructed labour.
It leaves a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leading to uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces.
With this situation, what is supposed to be every woman’s dream to become a mother often turns a nightmare.
Sadly, some women who face this health peril are neglected by their families and spouses and left to fight their own battles.
In some rural areas where there is lack of infrastructure and inexperienced health professionals, some resort to herbal medicine.
According to the Ghana Health Service, about 1,200 new fistula cases are recorded annually, with less than 20 of these cases being repaired, meaning every woman after childbirth is likely to be affected.
On May 23, Ghana joined the world to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
It was on the theme ‘Her health, her right: Shaping a future without fistula.’
The global observance serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for action to prevent and treat obstetric fistula worldwide, particularly in Ghana.
In order to eliminate Obstetric Fistula in Ghana by 2030, health officials, led by the Partnership to End Fistula in Ghana (PEFIC), is offering free surgeries for women living with obstetric fistula in five major hospitals.
These hospitals include the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi), Ho Teaching Hospital (Volta Region), Tamale West Hospital (Northern Region), Mercy Women Catholic Hospital (Central Region), and Upper West Regional Hospital with an estimated cost per patient around $700, covering transportation, surgery, and two weeks of recovery care.
The Spectator applauds the health authorities for the initiative, because they are not just saving lives of victims but also restoring hope and confidence of women in Ghana.
The paper also calls on government to train healthcare professionals to expand capacity and urged affected women to seek medical attention after birth.