RAJSHAHI, Dec 27, 2023 (BSS) - Kamarkhand Upazila of Sirajganj district has been declared free from obstetric fistula as part of the ongoing continuous efforts to eliminate the prevalence of genital fistula in Bangladesh by 2030.

 The declaration came at a meeting at the upazila parishad auditorium on Tuesday afternoon as there is no further new case of obstetric fistula after proper identification, referral and management.

Health and administrative officials, public representatives, development activists and beneficiaries largely attended the meeting calling for upholding the success amid concerted efforts of all the government and non-government organizations concerned in the years to come.

 On behalf of its 'Elimination of Genital Fistula Capturing, Treating, Rehabilitating and Reintegrating in Bangladesh (FRRei)' project, Lamb Hospital organized the meeting supported by the UNFPA Bangladesh.

 Civil surgeon of Sirajganj Dr Rampad Roy and Additional Deputy Commissioner Raihan Kabir addressed the meeting as chief and special guests respectively with Kamarkhand Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Ibrahim in the chair.

 Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shaheen Sultana, Rajshahi Divisional Assistant Director of the Department of Health Dr Samol Kumar Roy, Upazila Chairman SM Shahidullah and UNFPA Field Officer Dr. Kaniz Fatema also spoke on the occasion.

Project Manager Mahatab Uddin Liton from LAMB Hospital presented a keynote paper titled "End Obstetric Fistula in Rangpur and Rajshahi Division: Achievements and Challenges" giving an illustration about the disease along with its causes, preventive and curative measures.

 He said identifying the patients suffering from obstetric fistula can be the best way for their early recovery and rehabilitation as many of the government and non-government organizations are working in this field.

The project is intended to improve quality of life of the patients suffering from obstetric fistula through treatment and rehabilitation together with improving utilization of fistula treatment.

 LAMB Hospital is implementing need-based programmes including case Identification from the community, referral for diagnosis, timely management, motivation, counseling, follow up and comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration to free the society from obstetric fistula by 2030.

 In his remarks, Civil Surgeon Dr Rampad Roy stressed huge community awareness to free the society from the curse of obstetric fistula.

 All government and non-government organizations concerned should come forward and work together to combat the obstetric fistula and to treat and rehabilitate its patients for their overall welfare.

 He said obstructed and prolonged labors are the prime causes for developing obstetric fistula.

 Identification of obstetric fistula cases coupled with quality surgery and safe surgery is extremely needed as rehabilitation and reintegration of patients should be strengthened further, he opined.

 Dr Rampad Roy clarified obstetric fistula as one of the most devastating pregnancy-related morbidities in Bangladesh, mostly affecting women from marginalized socio-economic backgrounds, particularly the people who are often considered as 'left behind.'