Somalia: Puntland marks int’l day to end obstetric fistula

GAROWE, Somalia, May 24, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland Health Ministry along with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) marked International Day to End Obstetric Fistula with well-organized ceremony in the state capital of Garowe on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

The event held under the theme: “Let’s eradicate obstetric fistula and restore dignity for women,” attracted Puntland government officials, representatives from reproductive health services partners, doctors and other medical practitioners.

Dr. Abdirisaq Hassan Isse, Director of Planning department at Health Ministry briefed participants at gathering marking international day to end fistula on the sufferings of Somali women living with childbirth injuries, asking women to seek assistances at medical facilities and break the silence.

UNFPA was picked as key partner in the prevention and eradication of obstetric fistula across Puntland.

Speaking about the devastating injuries inflicted on Somali women by the disease, one of very few medical doctors who treat women of obstetric fistula in Puntland, Dr. Abdirisak Dhega’ade reckoned upon health problems of the injuries of childbirth, and requested women not to suffer in silence.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jama Warsame from UNFPA said at the commemoration that 100,000 women join fistula patients every year.

State Minister for Health Abdullahi Jama Ali called for combined prevention efforts in his closing remarks at ministry headquarters.

In November 2014, Puntland Health Ministry alongside UNFPA inaugurated Maternal and Neonatal Health Centre as part of campaign on accelerated reduction of maternal mortality in Africa (CARMMA).

UNFPA has supported the expansion of five midwifery schools in Puntland according to a joint press statement by Health Ministry, AU-initiated CARMMA and the UN body. 

GAROWE ONLINE