UNITED NATIONS, New York — Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbearing injury that affects more than 2 million women in the developing world. The first-ever global Campaign to End Fistula was launched by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and its partners in 2003. The overall goal is to make the condition as rare in developing countries as it is in industrialized countries. The Campaign currently covers more than 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Arab region, and works in the areas of prevention, treatment and reintegration.

Obstetric fistula, and world efforts to eliminate it, will be the focus of a United Nations panel discussion as part of the 50th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

WHO:

• Her Excellency Madame Chantal Compaoré, First Lady, Burkina Faso

• Dr. Sayeba Akhter, Professor and Head of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh

• Dr. Arletty Pinel, Chief, Reproductive Health Branch, UNFPA 

WHERE: Conference Room 4, United Nations

WHEN: Thursday 2 March, 1:15 – 2:45 p.m.

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View a listing of other UNFPA events at the Commission on the Status of Women.

To learn more about the Campaign to End Fistula, visit www.endfistula.org.

Contact Information:

Omar Gharzeddine, +1 212-297-5028, gharzeddine@unfpa.org

Saira Stewart , +1 212-297-5279, sstewart@unfpa.org