International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2025: Breaking the Cycle

23 – 22 May 2025

Obstetric fistula is a preventable yet devastating childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without timely access to quality medical care. It creates a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leaving women and girls incontinent and often facing chronic medical complications, social isolation, depression, and poverty. Tragically, 90% of pregnancies involving fistula result in stillbirth.

A Reflection of Systemic Inequalities

Despite significant advancements in maternal health, obstetric fistula remains a stark reminder of the inequities that persist in global health systems. It disproportionately affects women and girls in lower- and middle-income countries, particularly in marginalized communities where access to quality maternal care is limited. Obstetric fistula is not only a medical issue but also a consequence of social and systemic inequalities, including poverty, gender inequality, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

2025 Theme: Breaking the Cycle

This year’s theme, “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide”, highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address obstetric fistula. This includes:

  • Equitable Access to Maternal Health Services: Ensuring every woman and girl has access to high-quality, timely medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Social Reintegration: Supporting women and girls affected by obstetric fistula through psychosocial care, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.
  • Sustained Investment in Healthcare Systems: Strengthening health systems to prevent fistula through improved facilities, skilled birth attendants, and accessible emergency obstetric care.

PMNCH’s Commitment to Women, Children, and Adolescents’ Health (WCAH)

At PMNCH, we recognize the critical need to integrate the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula into global and national health strategies. As underscored in the WHA77 resolution on reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality and morbidity, improving access to quality maternal healthcare is fundamental to addressing preventable conditions like obstetric fistula.

By championing equitable and universal access to maternal healthcare, PMNCH supports:

  1. Empowering women and girls: Tackling gender inequalities and addressing the root causes of maternal health disparities.
  2. Improving maternal healthcare systems: Strengthening emergency obstetric services and training healthcare workers.
  3. Advocating for policy change: Driving investments in maternal health to ensure no woman suffers from preventable childbirth injuries.