To achieve our goals and better perform in terms of prevention, care and regular monitoring of obstetric fistula, there are no miracle solutions than to change the way we think with a particular emphasis on information, education and communication, said on 23rd May in N'Djamena, the capital, the First Lady of Chad Ms Hinda Deby Itno, patron of the Campaign Fight against Fistula.
Ms. Deby was speaking at the official celebration of the 2nd International Day to End Obstetric Fistula beore eight government ministers, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international institutions as well as many other guests including former fistula victims.
Under the theme "Tracking women victims of fistula, transforming lives", the ceremony began with the screening of a documentary produce with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on the story of a teenager who married early and was victim of obstetric fistula.
The highlight of the celebration was the speech of the First Lady. From onset, Ms. Deby said that the theme chosen this year is consistent with the expectations of the victims of fistula and gives hope to millions of them who are struggling under the weight of neglect and isolation but also stigma and repulsion by society, which is yet largely responsible for this state of affairs.
Worse, despite the continuous efforts, taboos and cultural constraints still favour situations that lead to fistula. Chad’s First Lady said she will fight with all her might, with the support of the head of State of Chad and partners, to help eradicate the sufferings of her sisters, victims of fistula in order to restore their smile.
The guests at the event then listened to a song that Chadian musician Célestin Maoundoe wrote specifically for the occasion. Then, two former victims told their stories from contracting the condition to healing after several surgeries. Today, they have been reintegrated into society.
In his speech, the UNFPA Representative Mamadou Dicko noted that fistula does not happen because of the hand of fate, much less a curse. "The time has come to end obstetric fistula correcting inequalities and protecting the rights of women," said he added.
In the fight against fistula, a priority by the Government of Chad, Mr. Dicko welcomed the continued commitment of First Lady Hinda Deby. "A remarkable progress has been made by the country in the field. The National Centre for Reproductive Health and Treatment of fistulas, commonly known as the Hinda center, is unique in the sub -region. It works very well and is a pride for the country," said the UNFPA Representative.
For his part, the Minister of Health, Social Action and National Solidarity, Dr Ngariéra Rimadjita, pleaded among other things for the construction of specialized centers in every town and village in the country to improve care for victims with the vision that "no woman shall get fistula" while giving life.
