Dr Foster Amponsah-Manu, the Clinical Director, noted that although the facility did not have a resident fistula surgeon, it was prepared to collaborate with surgeons from other hospitals and by so doing, was able to build the facility's capability towards treatment of obstetric fistula.

Ms Gisela Sena Dzebu, the Surgical Block Matron and the Theatre in Charge at the facility, indicated the satisfaction of contributing to alleviating the plight of fistula survivours.

"We are prepared to support fistula surgeries anytime, any day," she added.
Obstetric fistula, which is a serious tragic childbirth injury caused by prolonged obstructed labour, leads to the creation of an abnormal hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, or both.

Although it is a preventable and treatable condition, the lack of access to quality maternal healthcare services such as emergency surgery, often leaves many women and girls to suffer in silence, facing social stigma, shame, isolation, and discrimination, as well as worsening poverty due to job loss.

The condition leaves sufferers with chronic incontinence and the stench of leaking urine, faeces or both remain constant and humiliating, often driving patients' spouses, parents, friends, and neighbours away.

If left untreated, fistula can lead to chronic medical problems including ulcerations, kidney diseases and even nerve damage in the legs, leading to paralysis and even death from further complications.

The United Nations estimates that at least two million women live with fistula in developing countries, with 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occurring annually, which represents only those seeking treatment.

In Ghana approximately 1,352 women per 751,205 deliveries develop fistula annually, with an incidence rate of 1.8 per 1,000 deliveries.
However, the 2015 Ghana Health Service (GHS 2015) Assessment of obstetric fistula, revealed that only 40 per cent of cases were repaired, while between 711 and 1,352 new cases emerge each year.

Recognising the devastating impact of Obstetric Fistula, the United Nations has designated May 23rd annually as the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF), to raise awareness, promote prevention, increase access to surgical repairs, and support survivor integration.

The annual observance serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for action to prevent and treat OF worldwide, particularly in Ghana.
The global theme: "Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide," emphasises the importance of preventing OF from occurring in the first place, highlighting the need to address the systematic issues that lead to its occurrence.

Ghana would, however, ride on the motto: "Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future Without Fistula in Ghana."
As part of this year's celebration free surgical repairs are being performed for patients at five designated sites across the country, towards ending fistula in Ghana.

Edited by Linda Asante Agyei