International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2024; May 23rd.

FORUM: “FIGO at 70: Our journey towards improving sexual and reproductive rights.” International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2024. Obstetric fistula is a development and public health issue, but it’s also a human rights issue, one that grants everyone the right to health and a life of dignity.The injury can be prevented by sexual and reproductive health care, access to contraception and access to skilled birth attendants and high-quality emergency obstetric care. With its many partners, UNFPA leads the Campaign to End Fistula, which works in more than 55 countries on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. It can be treated with reconstructive surgery, though many women and girls don’t know about treatment, can’t access it or can’t afford it. As FIGO celebrates its 70th anniversary, we mark the vital role the Advocating for Safe Abortion (ASA) Project has had in improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of people in lower income and lower middle-income countries. Here we reflect on the project's evolution, successes and enduring legacy. Beyond national borders, the ASA Project's influence expanded to the regional level through newly established Communities of Practice. Understanding the importance of creating spaces for advocates to learn, plan and motivate each other, FIGO partnered with SAGO and ECSACOG to establish committed networks of advocates in West Africa and East, Central and Southern Africa whose continued work delivers even greater impact in the region. Join us in celebrating FIGO's 70th anniversary - share your memories with us. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #EndFistula, #EndFistulaDay; #23May.

EVENTS: On May 23rd The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2024 will be observed at UNFPA Headquarters in New York. The United Nations Member States are invited to consult the resolution to end fistula by 2030. We are hopeful to develop even more strategic partnerships. One such partnership is with the World Association of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology (WATOG). Having been inaugurated under the auspices of FIGO, WATOG is now leading the path for future OBGYNs. We should all continuously strengthen our next generation of professionals. we wish to encourage member societies and partners to explore the twinning opportunities. As FIGO – through their Regional Trustees – localises women’s health in five regions. Together, through north-south and south-south collaborations will accelerate the achievement of the sustainability and development goals (SDGs). As FIGO celebrates their 70th anniversary, They look to opportunities to meet, share and learn from one another. First at the FIGO Asia Oceania Regional Congress – Bali 2024, in November 2024, then at the XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Cape Town, South Africa, in October 2025. Collectively, we must pursue the women’s health agenda. FIGO, the global voice for women’s health, must leap onward! You are to participate to these congresses to learn, share, build alliances, and shape the future of women’s and reproductive health. Pre-register for the FIGO 2025 World Congress to contribute to help more women living with obstetric fistula to recover and rebuild their lives.