Root Causes

Poverty

The experience of obstetric fistula results from a variety of different causes and consequences. One of key determinants is extreme poverty. This is discussed below.

Poverty a determinant and consequence of obstetric fistula

Despite the improved prosperity, technical and electronic resources in our world, poverty is still pervasive. Hunger and homelessness in our cities, a lack of resources in remote rural areas. Poverty exists in many forms, and it destroys lives and restricts the potential of many individuals.

It is in this context of poverty that we find the greatest number of young girls and women living with or at risk of obstetric fistula. And because they live in small hamlets and settlements in isolated locations, their situation is often not highlighted or reported. As they are not in the consciousness of the public, they receive less attention from government services and politicians.

It is a challenge to reach many of the women and girls. Where roads exist, they tend to be of inferior quality and are not well maintained. There are few public transport facilities in these regions, and it is a big investment for impoverished communities to have even a basic form of motorised transport.

While poverty may not be a direct cause of obstetric fistula, it is a strong determinant. For those women with fistula, using scarce financial resources to have operations to repair a fistula can lead to a deepening of poverty. Being forced to sell farm animals – a valuable resource – to gain access to medical treatment has a devastating effect on a fragile family economy.

Other factors that increase the risk of obstetric fistula include:

Added to this are the human rights violations that impact on women and girls who experience obstetric fistula. Some live with the injury and its consequences for decades. The lack of access to timely fistula repair violates women's internationally recognised human rights. 


Information

Shared with the permission of Dr. Shershah Syed of Koohi Goth Hospital.