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Advocates Speak at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations |
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Posted by Katherine
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 July 2009, Geneva- Fistula survivors have gained global recognition as powerful advocates for maternal and reproductive health. UNFPA and partner organizations have worked with fistula advocates in a variety of settings including panel discussions, speaking engagements, and congressional testimony. Most recently, Sarah Omega Kidangasi, a fistula survivor and maternal health advocate from Kenya, brought her personal story and powerful message before the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
"I speak with conviction, passion and emotion, on maternal health because every woman has a right to live, laugh and live again".
- Sarah Kidangasi, Fistula Survivor and Advocate
(pictured right, photo: United Nations / Jess Hoffman)
 Sarah Kidangasi was joined at ECOSOC by Natalie Imbruglia, singer, actress and advocate.
Ms. Imbruglia participated in the High Level Segment of ECOSOC where she urged participants to make fistula a thing of the past.
“Obstetric fistula was eliminated here in Europe and the United States more than 100 years ago. It's unacceptable that women and girls in developing countries are still suffering from this entirely preventable and treatable condition.”
- Natalie Imbruglia, Virgin Unite ambassador and spokesperson for the Campaign to End Fistula (pictured left, photo: United Nations / Jess Hoffman)
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Champion in the Fight Against Fistula |
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Posted by Administrator
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 Dr. Sayeba Akhter is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. She has been working in the area of fistula for over 20 years.
With her help, the comprehensive national fistula programme in Bangladesh has been gaining momentum since 2003.
Dr. Akhter believes that the key to preventing new fistula cases is to continue mapping out the magnitude of the existing problem and then to develop a national, regional and global strategy for prevention, treatment and reintegration.
In her words...
"Every successful fistula surgery moves me deeply and renders a lot of joy and pleasure. It is a signal of hope; the fistula is fully curable by operations."
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