Maputo, October 27: Maputo will host the 8th Conference of the International Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons (ISOFS) from October 31 to November 4. The conference takes place every two years in different countries, to promote the highest standards for treating obstetric fistula for women, in a safe, effective, and ethical manner, encouraging collaboration between health professionals and between countries and regions.
The eighth conference will bring together 185 participants, 75 percent of whom are surgeons, doctors, and health technicians, 100 delegates representing 32 countries, 30 delegates from all the country's provinces, as well as representatives from the government, civil society, and cooperation partners, and fistula survivors.
During the conference, the latest scientific studies, experiences, innovations, and programs related to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration, partnerships and strategies in the area of obstetric/traumatic fistula and maternal health, surgical procedures, and protocols will be shared with a view to joint efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula by 2030.
According to the agenda, training and fistula surgery sessions will be held in the operating room of Maputo Central Hospital (HCM) with live broadcasts to participants in the hospital's amphitheater, followed by case discussions.
Plenary sessions will also be held with renowned surgeons and other professionals from various health areas, testimonies will be shared from women who have survived fistula, awards will be given to some personalities who have stood out in their contribution to the elimination of obstetric fistula, and the new President of ISOFS will be elected, all of which will take place at the Joaquim Chissano Conference Center.
ISOFS was created in 2007 by prominent fistula surgeons working in Africa and Asia, where there are more than two million obstetric fistula survivors, and is the leading international professional body for those involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of women with obstetric fistula.
Partners in the organization of the conference are the International Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons (IOSFS), the Ministry of Health (MISAU), Focus Fistula, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), USAID/EngenderHealth - Momentum Project.
Obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening between a woman's genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum, caused by prolonged and obstructed labor without access to immediate and quality medical care. Obstetric fistula can be prevented through access to emergency obstetric care, prenatal care, and safe delivery.
In Mozambique, it is estimated that more than 2,000 new cases of obstetric fistula are registered every year.
Conference partners:
Links to information and data on obstetric fistula in the world:
https://www.globalfistulahub.org
https://focusfistula.org.mz/a-fistula/
Contacts:
- Ausenda Domingos: +258 82 6726994 - adomingos@unfpa.org
- Karlina Salu: +258 84 0560246 - jsalu@unfpa.org
