An advocacy meeting took place at a local restaurant with journalists from Gaibandha, organized by LAMB and UNFPA, aimed at eliminating fistula. Journalists from both print and electronic media in the district attended the meeting. The keynote address was presented by the distinguished gynecologist Dr. Tahera Akhtar Moni.
She explained that fistula refers to the formation of one or more abnormal openings between the urinary bladder or rectum and the menstrual tract, leading to a continuous flow of urine, feces, or both through the menstrual tract.
Factors contributing to this condition include delayed or obstructed childbirth, child marriage, early pregnancies, insufficient emergency obstetric care, surgeries on the abdomen or uterus, deliveries conducted by untrained midwives, relatives, or neighbors, and a general lack of awareness. Nevertheless, this condition is preventable. Therefore, it is crucial for women suffering from fistula to be taken to the nearest health facility for appropriate care.
The meeting was officially opened by Amitabh Das Himun, President of the Gaibandha Press Club. Other speakers included LAMB District Facilitator Md. Shariful Islam Sharif and Gaibandha Press Club General Secretary Idrisuzzaman Mona.
The speakers also highlighted that 172 fistula patients have been identified in the Gaibandha district. LAMB and UNFPA are actively working towards the eradication of fistula, with support from the Ministry of Health and Family Planning of the Government of Bangladesh.
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