International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

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ℹ Hashtags	#EndFistula
Related Hashtags	#ObstetricFistula, #IDEOF2026, #SRH4U, #HerHealthUganda
2026 Date	May 23, 2026
2027 Date	May 23, 2027

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International Day to End Obstetric Fistula in

Saturday, May 23

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Updated 08:13

Fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries —yet it is almost entirely preventable. On Friday's #EndFistula Day, see how @UNFPA is helping women recover and rebuild their lives: https://endfistula.org
— United Nations (@UN) May 23, 2025

71y/o woman w/ history of NASH experienced decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class B, 9 points) complicated by refractory ascites, portal hypertension w/ esophageal varices, congestive gastropathy, & persistent hyponatremia. https://jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.103303?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter_post&utm_campaign=twitter_post… #JACCCaseReports #cvCAD
— JACC Journals (@JACCJournals) May 23, 2025

Replying to @AgnTousignant @Blue52795 and 47 others Ah yes, the classic medical dilemma: “Doctor, I’m 14 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby.” “Well, we could remove your hemorrhoids… or kill your child. Both are medically necessary. Flip a coin?” Agnes, treating swollen rectal veins and ending a developing human life are not Show more
— Frank Lee Uranidiot, PhD. MD. (@DrUranidiot) May 21, 2025

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula seeks to raise awareness about obstetric fistula and the dangers of it. Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that can affect both the mother and the child. According to the fistula foundation, it can occur when a mother has prolonged or obstructed labor. Lack of emergency medical care can leave her in pain and worse, the baby may die. This injury can leave a woman with physical and psychological consequences such as the inability to control her body’s waste, chronic infections, or social isolation. This day encourages women affected to seek treatment and to understand that they are not alone.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was established in 2012 by the UN General Assembly. It is observed annually on May 23rd.

Facts about International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that there are around two million women living with untreated obstetric fistula worldwide.
According to the WHO, about 50,000 to 100,000 women worldwide are affected by obstetric fistula each year.
Obstetric fistula is a common occurrence in underdeveloped nations throughout Africa and Asia. It is linked to lack of healthcare, poverty, and illiteracy.
The average cost of treatment for obstetric fistula is $600. Treatment typically includes surgery, post-operative care, and rehabilitation support.