Call to create awareness on fistula.

KARACHI -- Speakers at a press conference held at the press club here on Thursday urged the media to create awareness on obstetric fistula, a condition caused by prolonged labour, leaving a woman incontinent.

The presser aimed at sharing the highlights of a fistula surgical camp recently organised by the Pakistan National Forum on Women's Health at the Koohi Goth Women General Hospital in Landhi in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the ministry of health.

Ninety-two patients with genital tract fistula and serious pelvic abnormalities from across Pakistan, including Afghan refugee women, were treated during the camp attended by more than 40 doctors from different cities.

'I had visited the hospital at the time of midwifery conference and saw patients suffering from fistula which reminded me of some of the African countries where I saw such patients,' shared Lina Mahmoud Mousa, country representative of UNFPA in Pakistan.

She said she found the level of patient care at the hospital impressive and decided to support the surgical camp after discussing the matter with her team.

'Women must not suffer from obstetric fistula, a condition which could be prevented if quality emergency medical care is available to them at the time of delivery. And, if they do, they must not suffer because they are poor,' she said.

Ms Mousa appealed to the media to highlight this condition and help women by telling them that treatment was available and the condition was treatable.

Dr Nighat Shah, a senior gynaecologist who participated in the camp, said that patients...