Fast Facts: Fistula and Reproductive Health

Once common throughout the world, fistula has been virtually eliminated in Europe and North America through improved obstetric care.
An estimated two million women are living with fistula in developing countries, with an additional 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occurring each year. These figures are based only on the number of women seeking treatment, and are likely to be gross underestimates. In areas with high maternal mortality, fistula may occur at a rate of two to three cases per 1,000 pregnancies.
About 15 per cent of all pregnancies will result in complications that require emergency medical intervention.
Only 58 per cent of women in developing countries deliver with the assistance of a professional (a midwife or doctor). Only 40 per cent give birth in a hospital or health centre.
The average cost of fistula treatment — including surgery, post-operative care and rehabilitation support — is US $300, well beyond the reach of most women with the condition.
The success rate of fistula repair for experienced surgeons can be as high as 90 per cent. After successful treatment, most women can resume full lives.
Obstetric fistula is preventable and treatable.
Prevention is the key to ending fistula.
In 2003, UNFPA launched a global Campaign to End Fistula. The Campaign is now under way in more than 35 countries in Africa, Asia and the Arab region.
Meeting the existing demand for family planning services would reduce maternal deaths and injuries by 20 per cent or more.
Women in sub-Saharan Africa suffer almost twice as much illness from sexual and reproductive health causes than women in the world as a whole .

Key strategies to address fistula

Provide access to adequate medical care for all pregnant women and emergency obstetric care for all who develop complications.
Increase access to education and family planning services for women and men.
Postpone pregnancy for young girls until they are physically mature.
Improve girls' nutrition to prevent stunted growth (which can leave the mother's pelvis small in relation to the baby's head) and to minimize the risk of complications during childbirth.
Repair physical damage through medical intervention and emotional damage through counselling.