Obstetric fistula from obstructed labour requires specialized surgical skills and management. Unfortunately, there are one million women and girls in impoverished countries of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia where adequate medical conditions are lacking, who live with a fistula that has not been repaired (Direct Relief et al. 2015). As a result, obstetric fistula has emerged as an issue of international public health concern with public health communities and international institutions.

UNFPA in 2003, spearheaded the global Campaign to End Fistula, which is now active in more than 50 countries, working to prevent and treat fistula, and to rehabilitate and empower fistula survivors. Over the last 15 years, UNFPA, as leader of the global Campaign, has supported more than 85,000 surgical repairs for women and girls. The collaborative
efforts of the Campaign have helped mobilize political and financial resources to support women and girls around the world overcome the debilitating condition that has left, and continues to leave, significant numbers of women and girls suffering in solitude and shame.