On 23 May, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula draws attention to a condition that affects women all over the world, especially in developing countries. In Mozambique, it is estimated that more than 2,500 new cases will appear in 2019. UNFPA works to prevent fistula and the mortality of mothers and babies. Early marriage and the lack of primary health care are the main causes.

‘This is caused by a prolonged and unassisted delivery, an obstructed delivery, where the baby cannot be delivered because the head is bigger than space. Two, three days later, this process causes complications that are these orifices. The woman experiences urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and everything comes out through the vaginal canal’, explained to UNFPA Mozambique, Dr. Alberto Alforma, who works in the Provincial Hospital of Pemba, Cabo Delgado.

Muastaha Amadou. 43 years old, got fistula during her 8 th pregnancy. Two years ago, she was in the community with no access to the health center. After two days trying to give birth to her child, she went to the hospital, but was not possible save the baby. She got fistula and one year after suffering with this condition, she was operated by Dr. Alforma. Muastaha’s brothers and all her family supported her and helped her receive treatment. In 2017, she has resumed her life. “My life was very difficult. I couldn't walk, sleep, go around. I just stayed indoors. When I returned home after losing the baby, the feces did not stop leaking and the feces did not stop leaking and many of my clothes were dirty. If I had been in this condition until today, I would not have survived, said Muastaha.