International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Government support and funding is needed to help the fistula sufferers of sub-Saharan Africa, it has been claimed.

Roukhia Ba, a 24-year-old mother of one from Senegal, told Inter Press Service how she has endured fistula for the last nine years since giving birth aged 13.

She explained how her husband and family deserted her when the fistula developed, leaving her with no emotional or financial support.

As a result, Roukhia has been unable to receive the surgery she needs to repair the vaginal tear she suffered during obstructed labour.

She told IPS: "I sometimes go to hospital, but often cannot for lack of money. We need the state to help us. So many of us are living with this condition."

Last month, Australian urogynaecologist Dr Hannah Krause told Christian Today that the common lack of public awareness and knowledge about obstetric fistulae in the developing world is a "a silent tragedy".