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More efforts needed to reduce Fistula
2007-04-14 09:41:22
By Peter Tindwa
At least 59 out of 61 expectant mothers, who suffered from obstetric fistula in Mwanza, Ruvuma and Singida regions, lost their babies immediately after delivery.
The report titled: Risk and Resilience: Obstetric Fistula in Tanzania indicates that pregnant girls and women faced some kind of difficulties in delivery, with labour being the main cause of contracting fistula.
The report further states that majority of expectant mothers did not get comprehensive clinical examination during their pregnancy.
According to the report launched by the Women’s Dignity Project (WDP) in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, clinical examination obtained by the identified 61 pregnant women did not involve Haemoglobin tests, urine analysis, stool examination and blood grouping.
``Generally, pregnant girl and women were told they were in good health and decided to deliver at homes,`` reads part of the report.
It adds that majority of pregnant women were unaware or did not want to practice family planning methods.
``Husbands and mother-in laws are decision- makers in remote areas. They are the ones who decide when and on whether a pregnant woman should go to a hospital, dispensary or health centre.
The report states that lack of emergency obstetric fistula care is posing a great life menace among expectant girls and women.
It further states that well trained health workers should be deployed to manage caesarean section, especially in rural areas.
Cost and inaccessibility of high quality fistula repair services are said to be barriers for many girls and women, the report states.
``Fistula repair services must be available and accessible to expectant girls and women and at highly-subsidized or no cost,`` reads part of the report.
Efforts should be done to reduce the emotional and impacts of fistula, it added.
According to the WDG Director the report contains research findings of the study conducted by researchers from WDP, Health Action Promotion Association, Peramiho Mission Hospital, Kivulini Women`s Rights and Engender Health of the US.
Obstetric fistula is a disease which causes continuous leakage of either urine, stool or both.
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