Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide

Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide
Date: May 23, 2025

The Queensland Medical Women’s Society (QMWS) proudly supports Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide — a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that continues to affect thousands of women and girls each year. Caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without access to timely, high-quality medical care, obstetric fistula results in chronic health issues, social isolation, and deepening poverty. Alarmingly, 90% of pregnancies involving fistula end in stillbirth.

This year’s theme underscores the urgent need for equitable access to quality maternal healthcare, social reintegration, and long-term investment in strengthening health systems. QMWS is committed to amplifying awareness and advocating for the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula, supporting local events and activities — stay tuned for event details coming soon.

Let’s come together to raise our voices and help break the cycle of obstetric fistula worldwide.

About the Campaign to End Fistula
Launched in 2003 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its partners, the global Campaign to End Fistula aims to make obstetric fistula as rare in developing countries as it is in the developed world. The campaign focuses on prevention, surgical repair, and the social reintegration of those affected. Despite remarkable progress, achieving the goal of eliminating fistula by 2030 demands urgent action, increased resources, and strengthened collaboration across governments, healthcare providers, and communities.

Why Awareness Matters
Obstetric fistula is not just a medical condition but a stark reminder of systemic inequalities in maternal health. Prevention is possible through actions such as delaying the age of first pregnancy, ending harmful traditional practices, and ensuring timely access to skilled obstetric care. However, challenges such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated healthcare disparities, making the fight to end fistula more pressing than ever.

Did You Know?

• Nearly half a million women and girls worldwide live with obstetric fistula, with thousands of new cases occurring annually.
• For every maternal death, 20-30 women experience childbirth injuries that drastically affect their quality of life.
• Since 2003, over 140,000 fistula repair surgeries have been supported by UNFPA, and more than 12,000 women have received social reintegration support between 2018 and 2023.

By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can help prevent obstetric fistula, improve access to quality maternal healthcare, and restore dignity to those affected.