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 for women suffering from obstetric fistula in some of the world’s most underserved communities.

For this year’s International Volunteer Day on the 5th December, the campaign will thank volunteers worldwide and shed light on the difficulties and needs of volunteers during the pandemic. Together we can highlight the impact of volunteers in their communities during this crisis. We will reach to all corners of the globe with the message: Together We Can Through Volunteering. 

It is estimated that only one woman in 50 has access to fistula treatment.

One FIGO Trainer, who trains FIGO Fellows to provide life-transforming care to help address the global treatment gap, is Dr Valentin Vadandi, a Fistula Surgeon at the Village des Femmes, District Hospital of Abeche, Chad.

This month FIGO spoke to Dr Valentin Vadandi about his experience as a fistula surgeon and FIGO Trainer.

Dr Peter Majinge, Head of the Fistula Unit in CCBRT in Tanzania (and a FIGO Training Centre), trains FIGO Fellows to provide life-transforming care, to help significantly address the global treatment gap. 

This month, FIGO spoke to Dr Peter Majinge about his experience of being a fistula surgeon and FIGO Trainer.

My dream of becoming a fistula surgeon started when I was a very small boy.