A ceremony marking the conclusion of a vital surgical mission for obstetric fistula patients is set to take place on Friday, July 18, at the Bondoukou Regional Public Hospital (EPHR).
The event will see the distribution of dignity kits to women who have undergone surgery or are awaiting treatment for the condition.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Development, has been supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the National Population Office (ONP), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
According to UNFPA, the campaign aligns with the 2019–2030 regional strategy to eradicate obstetric fistula in West and Central Africa, under the global commitment to “leave no one behind.”
Obstetric fistula remains a devastating and often overlooked childbirth injury, predominantly affecting women and girls in rural areas who lack access to adequate maternal healthcare. ivory Coast 2021 Demographic and Health Survey estimates the national prevalence at 1%, meaning approximately 74,000 women live with the condition.
Since 2012, KOICA has invested over $16 million to advance fistula prevention, improve the healthcare system’s capabilities, and provide free, holistic care for affected women.
This support has enabled the treatment of 4,409 cases, socio-economic reintegration of 2,276 women, and extensive awareness campaigns throughout the country.
In Bondoukou, the current surgical mission aims to treat at least 25 patients and includes training for five national healthcare providers.
Additionally, women benefit from nutritional assistance and psychosocial care facilitated by the Ivorian Association for Family Welfare (AIBEF) and the Alliance of Religious People for Integral Health and the Promotion of the Human Person in Côte d’Ivoire (ARSIP).
Surgical operations are being conducted by specialized teams from Bouaké, Man, Korhogo, and Bondoukou, with the support of an anesthesiologist and dedicated local medical personnel.
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