From 28 July to 1 August 2025, global leaders in fistula surgery gathered once again at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia for FIGO’s FSTI Expert Advisory Group meeting as well as the second post obstetric fistula repair incontinence (POFRI) workshop. 

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury, with over two million women suffering from the condition, predominantly in Asia and Africa. It is estimated that only 1 in 50 women will ever receive treatment.

Obstetric fistula is a neglected public health and human rights issue. A devastating childbirth injury that leaves women permanently incontinent unless they receive treatment by a trained, competent fistula surgeon.  

Obstetric fistula is a neglected public health and human rights issue. A devastating childbirth injury that leaves women permanently incontinent unless they receive treatment by a trained, competent fistula surgeon.   

Obstetric fistula is a neglected public health and human rights issue. A devastating childbirth injury that leaves women permanently incontinent unless they receive treatment by a trained, competent fistula surgeon.  

Obstetric fistula is a neglected public health and human rights issue. A devastating childbirth injury, it leaves women permanently incontinent and it is currently estimated that only 1 woman in 50 is able to access corrective treatment.  

Obstetric fistula is a neglected public health and human rights issue, and a devastating childbirth injury. It leaves women permanently incontinent, and it is currently estimated that only 1 woman in 50 is able to access corrective treatment.  

Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that results from prolonged, obstructed labour. Since 2012, the FIGO Fistula Surgery Training Initiative has been building the capacities of local trainee fistula surgeons – ‘FIGO Fellows’ – and multidisciplinary teams to provide treatment to women suffering from obstetric fistula in some of the world’s most underserved communities.