LARKANA: It was due to lack of awareness that fistula cases are continuously on the rise in underdeveloped countries because the health disorder can be addressed well with knowledge and available treatment.

Assistant Prof Dr Fozia Chandio, in-charge of Fistula centre at Shaikh Zayed Hospital for Women, told reporters at Larkana Press Club on Thursday, that around 4,000-5,000 women in Pakistan were inflicted with this disorder because of social inequality, outdated and obsolete customs and traditions paired with element of poverty, illiteracy and lack of health facilities even up to grass root level.

Marking the World Fistula Day, she said: “Our aim is to create awareness and put in maximum efforts to locate and treat the women suffering from fistula disorder. We have to take measures to change the disturbed lives of women facing negative impacts of their health impairment.”

The delayed labour paired with a host of other pregnancy-related problems and issues along with less support lent out to women during pregnancy could end in fistula issues, Dr Chandio said.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2023