200,000 Ugandan women suffer obstetric fistula

Approximately 200,000 Ugandan women are currently suffering from obstetric fistula, an official has confirmed.

According to health minister Dr Christine Ondoa, the problem has arisen because many females do not receive suitable care when they are giving birth, UG Pulse reports.

She has therefore confirmed efforts are being launched to improve healthcare provision for expectant mothers in Uganda.

Dr Ondoa said this will include an awareness campaign across the country that will focus on safe motherhood.

Figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that obstetric fistula currently affects many thousands of women across the globe.

The group believes sufferers can end up with various other health problems as a result, as well as the public shame and stigma of having the condition.

WHO has flagged up ensuring women get access to the obstetric care they need as a way of preventing the problem, which is particularly widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.