Online Desk: Nachole Upazila in Chapainawabganj district has been announced free from obstetric fistula.

The declaration came at a meeting at Amjowan Community Clinic in the upazila on Saturday afternoon.

The meeting called for upholding the success amid concerted efforts of all the government and non-government organizations concerned in the years to come.

On behalf of the FRRei project titled “Elimination of Genital Fistula by Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh”, Lamb Hospital organized the meeting supported by the UNFPA Bangladesh.

Rajshahi Divisional Deputy Director of Health Dr Habibur Rahman and Civil Surgeon of Chapainawabgonj Dr Mahamdur Rahman attended the meeting as chief and special guests respectively with Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Kamal Uddin in the chair.

Gynae Consultant Dr Beauty Begum and Medical Officers Omar Faruk and Dr Asadur Rahman Biplob and Project Manager Mahatab Uddin Liton and District Coordinator Ruhul Amin Mridha from LAMB Hospital also spoke on the occasion.

The health experts have unanimously stressed huge community awareness to free the society from the curse of obstetric fistula.

All government and non-government organizations concerned should come forward and work together to combat the obstetric fistula and to treat and rehabilitate its patients for their overall welfare.

In his remarks, Dr Habibur Rahman said obstructed and prolonged labors are the prime causes for developing obstetric fistula.

Identification of obstetric fistula cases coupled with quality surgery and safe surgery is extremely needed as rehabilitation and reintegration of patients should be strengthened further, he opined.

Dr Beauty Begum clarified obstetric fistula as one of the most devastating pregnancy-related morbidities in Bangladesh, mostly affecting women from marginalized socio-economic backgrounds, particularly the people who are often considered as ‘left behind.’

Mahatab Uddin Liton presented a concept paper titled “End Obstetric Fistula in Rangpur and Rajshahi Division: Achievements and Challenges” giving an illustration about the disease along with its causes, preventive and curative measures.

He said identifying the patients suffering from obstetric fistula can be the best way for their early recovery and rehabilitation as many of the government and non-government organizations are working in this field.

LAMB Hospital is implementing need-based programmes including case Identification from the community, referral for diagnosis, timely management, motivation, counseling, follow up and comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration to free the society from obstetric fistula by 2030.