Stakeholders in the health sector have validated the country's first-ever Obstetric Fistula Situational Analysis Report 2007 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.

Wednesday's validation exercise was organised by the Department of State for Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with UNFPA and the WHO Country Office.

Obsteric fistula is a term used for abnormal opening between the virgina and the bladder and/or rectum through which female urine or feaces continually leak. Obsteric fistula is the result of prolonged and obstructed labour. This embarassing illness prevents fistula patients from integrating in society due to constant leakage and soiling with feaces and urine.

Participants to the one-day exercise carefully scrutinised the outcome of the study from layer to layer to do justice to facts contained therein. They discussed the adverse consequences of the illness, including maternal mortality. This generated a torrent of scientific suggestions geared towards tackling this illness.

In his opening statement, Dr Tamsir Mbowe, director of Health and Medical Services, welcomed the recomendations from the study and the proprosal by the WHO contracted consultant, Dr Bizunesh Tamirat and her team, and pledged that the state department and its partners will resolve the key issues highlighted.

"This we do in full cognisance of our common aspiration of achieving the MDG target in maternal and morbidity reduction," he stated.

Dr Mbowe disclosed that a permanent obstetric fistula treatment and training center will be established to strengthen the existing primary health care delivery system to prevent new occurrences of fistula in the country.

The Gambian-born reputable gynaecologist added that President Jammeh has provided free maternal and child health services to all Gambians at any public health facility. He assured the gathering that the department will collaborate with its partners to ensure the full implementation of the plan of action, noting that DoSH has already developed a comprehensive programme in the Health Master Plan 2020, which encompasses issues surrouding morbidity and mortality of women.

Agnes  M Kuye, the WHO assistant representative to The Gambia, said over 300 million women currently suffer from short or long-term complication of pregnancy and childbirth globally.

"Such complications include infertility, severe anaemia, urine prolapses and obstetric fistula (vaginal or rectal)," she said.

Mrs Kuye revealed that obstetric fistula if not treated could eventually lead to divorce, abandonment or social isolation of victims.

Ms Kuye attributed this tragic condition of women to lack of access to skilled care durng pregnacy, childbirth and early marriage. She emphasised that access to skilled care must be supported with suitably equipped facilities, which call for provision of basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care during the first referral.

Dr Ruben Mboge, UNFPA assistant country represntative said the illness is a concern despite its devastating impact on the lives of girls and women. According to him, this highlights serious limitations of the health care system to provide vital emergency obstetric care for safe delivery.

Dr Mboge stated the UNFPA have developed a three-phased initiative to address identified needs.