WHO expands specialised fistula treatment for women in Afghanistan — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The World Health Organization (WHO), with support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is expanding specialised health services for women and children in Afghanistan, including treatment for obstetric fistula, the organisation said. WHO said the initiative is aimed at improving access to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services, including specialised care for women suffering from obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth-related injury caused mainly by prolonged obstructed labour. It can result in continuous incontinence, chronic health problems, social stigma and psychological distress, according to WHO. Two specialised obstetric fistula centres have been established in Afghanistan — one at Rabia-i-Balkhi National Maternity Hospital in Kabul and another at Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar. The centres provide surgical repair as well as comprehensive care, including rehabilitation and support to help women reintegrate into their communities, WHO said. The project is expected to directly benefit about 300 women who have survived obstetric fistula and indirectly support around 300,000 women and girls of reproductive age. WHO said more than 977 health workers have also been trained to improve the quality of maternal and newborn care, help prevent complications during childbirth and ensure timely treatment. The organisation said access to maternal healthcare in Afghanistan has improved in recent years, with antenatal care coverage rising from 31 percent to 76…