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First Lady Monica Chakwera stressed the urgent need to address health care and community disparities that lead to prolonged labour, which in turn leads to fistula and other maternal health issues for women and girls.
Ms Chakwera made the remarks at the Mkaka Campus of Nkhotakota Traditional Authority Mwazama during an event marking the International Fistula Day 2024 with the theme “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide”.
She noted that through community interventions to prevent teenage pregnancies, Malawi can achieve a future where no woman suffers from fistula.
“By focusing on prevention, we aim to draw the attention of the government, civil society, communities and development partners to the urgent need to break this harmful cycle and promote maternal health and well-being in Malawi,” she said.
Ms. Chakwera also noted that although fistula is a major problem in Malawi and mostly affects adolescents, the disease is preventable.
Dr. Ezizgeldi Hellennov, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Malawi, noted that Malawi has made remarkable progress in its fight against fistula.
According to Helenov, tremendous progress has been made, including saving more than 6,000 lives, telling 6,000 stories of strength, and helping 6,000 families escape the shadow of obstetric fistula.
“Despite these achievements, Malawi must face a stark reality: approximately 20,000 women and girls in the country are living with this devastating disease which is completely preventable and treatable.
“Partners, stakeholders and the government need to amplify their voices and strengthen their advocacy to end obstetric fistula in Malawi by 2030.
“Strong collaboration and partnerships are necessary to achieve this ambitious goal,” he said.
Fistula is a complication of childbirth that causes physical, psychological and social impairment.
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