MA Mannan, Bhola: The International day to end obstetric fistula has been observed in Bhola. The meeting was organized by the District civil surgeon office with the support of CIPRB and UNFPA on Thursday, May 22.
After a colorful rally, a discussion meeting was organized on the hospital premises. A fistula corner was also inaugurated on this occasion of International Obstetric Fistula Eradication Day 2025.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Mannan, Secretary General, of Bangladesh Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (BPS) was present as a chief guest while Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Halim, Director (RCH) CIPRB was a special guest. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sheikh Sufian Rustum, Superintendent of Bhola General Hospital.
Senior Consultant (Guinea) of Bhola Sadar Hospital Suraiya Yasur, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Md. Nipa Rani, Family Plan Facilitator Santosh Kumar Mondal, District Coordinator of CIPRB Alamgir Hossain Libul and Md. Altafur Rahman and other officials and health workers were present at the function.
For treating greater numbers of women with obstetric fistulas require more trained and skilled surgeons. Fistula treatment centres, financial assistance, accommodation, food and medication also need to be provided, said Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Halim, Director (RCH) CIPRB, while speaking in the meeting.
On this International Day, he urges governments, healthcare providers and the global community to ensure every woman affected by obstetric fistula receives the care she deserves.
Superintendent of Bhola General Hospital, Sheikh Sufian Rustum said in his speech, "The most important step to providing treatment for more women with obstetric fistula is creating awareness and effective treatment." Continued sensitisation, especially at a community level, is another important step to providing treatment, he added.
Senior Consultant (Guinea) of Bhola Sadar Hospital Suraiya Yasur said, "We should know that screening as well as surgery of women who have been living with fistula for 10 or 15 and even 25 years is available at present. There are still some barriers to overcome fistula."  We need to focus on expanding treatment centers, providing financial support and increasing awareness to reduce this condition, she added.
Speakers at the event emphasized on the prevention of delivery fistula, receiving treatment at the right time and increasing public awareness. The speakers also expressed optimism that "the government needs a concerted effort of development partners as well as development partners for the elimination of fistula by 2030".
At the meeting, the negotiators said that Bhola is a remote and disaster -prone area where activities are being conducted through a special campaign to free the district. They sought the cooperation of all concerned to make the craft some fruitful.
It was informed in the meeting that 15 suspected patients have been found in Bhola so far. Out of them, 6 have been identified as obstetric fistula patients. 4 have been referred to higher treatment. Out of these, 2 have already recovered and are leading a normal life. 2 have been provided rehabilitation assistance.
Earlier in the meeting, it was informed that about 1 million women are now suffering from fistula disease in the world. About 20,000 women are from Bangladesh. Not only are those, about 5,000 new patients joining the world every year. About 2,000 new patients are added to this list every year from Bangladesh. In this situation, everyone should be aware of increasing social awareness, preventing child marriage, discouraging pregnancy at an early age and safe delivery.