A Human Rights Approach Toward Eradicating Obstetric Fistula: Expanding Data Collection, Prevention, Treatment, and Continuing Support for Women and Girls Who Have Been Neglected

Obstetric fistula repair failure and its associated factors among women who underwent repair in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Obstetric fistula has been a neglected public health and human rights issue despite the fact that it is currently almost entirely preventable and is a sign that social and health systems are failing to protect the health and human rights of the poorest and most vulnerable women and girls. It also persists as a reminder of egregious injustices, a symbol of global inequality, and a sign that these women's and girls' rights are not being protected [19,20].…”

“…In addition to causing pain, both physical and psychological, failing to repair a fistula costs money and jeopardizes efforts to end this treatable and preventable illness. The United Nations (UN) has also established a goal to eliminate obstetric fistulas by 2030; this can be accomplished as more women have access to competent birth attendants and as access to expert obstetric fistula repair has improved [20][21][22]. The WHO established a goal of fewer than 15% for failed fistula closure following repair and less than 10% for incontinence after successful fistula closure as the best range of repair outcomes for assessing the quality of services provided to patients [1].…”