Ghana records over 7,000 obstetric fistula cases amid calls for better maternal healthcare

Health experts are calling for urgent national action to tackle Obstetric fistula in Ghana, revealing that more than 7,000 women are currently living with the condition across the country.

The concerns were highlighted during an awareness campaign held in Kumasi to commemorate World Obstetric Fistula Day under the theme: “Her Health Is a Right: Invest to End Fistula and Childbirth Injuries.”

Medical experts warned that the condition continues to affect hundreds of women each year, particularly those with limited access to quality maternal healthcare and emergency obstetric services.

According to health professionals, obstetric fistula is primarily caused by prolonged and obstructed labour, especially when women are unable to receive timely medical intervention during childbirth.

An obstetric specialist with the United Nations Population Fund, Dr Adzi Kofi Gudugbe, explained that the condition develops when prolonged pressure during labour damages tissue between the bladder and rectum.

“When this happens, the baby’s head is pressed firmly against either the bladder or the rectum, and because of the prolonged pressure, the tissue in that area can die,” he explained.

The condition often results in uncontrollable leakage of urine or stool, leaving affected women with severe physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.

Dr Gudugbe noted that many women living with obstetric fistula experience social isolation, discrimination, and emotional trauma because of the condition.

“The stench is so strong that the woman withdraws from society. Even their partners sometimes leave them, and some communities wrongly believe they are witches,” he stated.

Health experts say the stigma surrounding obstetric fistula often discourages affected women from seeking treatment, worsening their suffering and reducing their quality of life.

According to Dr Gudugbe, Ghana records close to 800 new obstetric fistula cases every year.

Recent studies estimate that approximately 7,130 women were living with the condition nationwide in 2025.

He stressed that improving access to skilled birth attendants, maternal healthcare services, and emergency obstetric care is essential if Ghana is to eliminate the condition.

“To achieve the target of eliminating obstetric fistula in Ghana, we need to repair close to 2,500 cases every year for the next four years,” he said.

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of obstetric fistula, health authorities and partner organisations have begun organising free fistula repair surgeries at several treatment centres across the country.

The medical outreach programme is expected to continue until mid-June 2026.

Health officials say the initiative aims to provide life-changing treatment for affected women while also increasing awareness about prevention and early intervention.

Dr Gudugbe appealed to the private sector, corporate organisations, development partners, and philanthropists to support Ghana’s national fistula elimination campaign through funding, advocacy, and partnerships.

Experts say sustained investment in maternal healthcare infrastructure, education, and emergency medical services remains critical to preventing childbirth injuries and improving women’s health outcomes.

They also emphasised the need for stronger public education campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage affected women to seek treatment.