Dr Nicole Eteki, Reproductive Health Specialist, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Cameroon, looks at the situation of obstetric fistula in Cameroon on the occasion of the 2015 International Day to End VVF.

Q: What is the current situation of Versico-vaginal Fistula, VVF or Obstetric Fistula in Cameroon and the world at large?

A: It is estimated that at least 2 million women live with the condition in the world and 50,000 to 100,000 new cases occur every year.

In Cameroon, according to the last Demographic and Health Survey (2011), the number of women suffering or having suffered from Versico-vaginal Fistula, VVF or Obstetric Fistula, is estimated at 20,000. Meanwhile, 2,000 new cases occur every year, but the current treatment capacity is only 200 patients a year.

Q: Is the Cameroonian public aware of the situation of Versico-vaginal Fistula?

A: The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula was established since 2013 to alert the world about the subject. In Cameroon, many information campaigns are conducted through radio as well as SMS text messages to let people know that it is not an irreversible condition, but can be repaired.

Nevertheless, there is need for more advocacy and support from partners, including donors, to address the overall health of women in Cameroon. In addition, free VVF repair campaigns organised by the Ministry of Public Health and partners, including UNFPA, are usually well covered by the media.

Q: What else has the UNFPA and government been doing to alleviate the situation?

A: Since 2005, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Government of Cameroon, has been working on three main areas of intervention. This includes prevention that focuses on the promotion of the availability of emergency obstetric care and the use of services and skilled attendance during child birth.

UNFPA supports the government in repositioning family planning and addressing violence against women, harmful practices, early marriages and pregnancies (among teenage girls). This consists in raising awareness in the communities (through radio programmes, educational talks...) on the consequences of these practices on women’s lives and health, as well as to a greater extent, their rights.

On the other hand, treatment addresses the condition itself in the form of corrective surgical interventions to mend the fistula. Since 2005, several free repair campaigns have been conducted in UNFPA project areas.

In 2013, the first Permanent VVF Repair Centre was launched in the Ngaoundéré Protestant Hospital. Health personnel working in this facility were trained with UNFPA's support.

Meanwhile, reintegration enables women who have fully recovered to resume their active lives. UNFPA in partnership with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF), provides psychological and financial support to women who underwent surgical repair operations. They are granted start-up capital for income-generating initiatives to facilitate reintegration into their communities.

Q: What has been the results and challenges faced?

A: Since 2005, more than 500 VVF-affected women have recovered their dignity and normal lives. This has helped in enhancing their fundamental rights.

However, the situation calls for more assistance from partners to support government and UNFPA in their efforts. On the other hand, the challenges are numerous, but the most urgent is to train surgical teams and mobilise resources to accelerate repairs and significantly reduce the pool of women with obstetric fistulas in Cameroon.