This video looks at the the effect that obstetric fistula has on affected women in Burundi. It is a little-known social affliction which is extremely stigmatised within society. Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal that causes women to become incontinent, most commonly a result of an obstructed labour. It is a condition that has largely disappeared in the western world, but remains a problem in many developing countries.
More than 2 million women worldwide suffer from fistula, mostly in Africa. MSF has set up a permanent centre in Burundi dedicated to operating on women affected by an obstetric fistula, aiming to treat 350 women a year.
Obstetric fistula: The backyard disease from MSF on Vimeo.
More information about obstetric fistula can be found on the Focus page here.
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