More income generating vocational training can be the best ways of successful rehabilitation of the obstetric fistula survivors besides their family and social reintegration.
Many women, particularly the poor and marginalized ones, suffer a lot of many ways due to the problem, so collaborative approach has become crucial for proper rehabilitation of the sufferers.
Health experts and development activists came up with the observation while addressing the closing ceremony of a five-day long training course titled “Capacity Development of Fistula Survivors on Rehabilitation and Reintegration,” here on Thursday.
LAMB Hospital hosted the function at its training hall under Parbatipur Upazila in collaboration with the Rangpur divisional offices of the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare Services and UNFPA Bangladesh.
Main objective of the training was to rehabilitate the fistula survivors through sanitary pad making.
Some 20 fistula survivors joined the training course and they were given practical knowledge on the income generating activities.
Divisional Director of Health Dr Motaherul Islam, Dr. Akhteruzzaman from the Directorate General of Health Services, Civil Surgeons Dr Jahangir Kabir and Dr Hironmbo Roy and Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services Abu Bakkor Siddique addressed the meeting as resource persons. Dr Animesh Biswas also spoke on behalf of UNFPA Bangladesh, while Dr Antje Oosterklam and Mahatab Liton on behalf of the LAMB Hospital.
The meeting was told that the LAMB Hospital has been implementing a project titled “End Obstetric Fistula in Rangpur and Rajshahi Division: Achievements and Challenges” or overall development of the fistula patients.
Under the project, LAMB Hospital are implementing need-based programmes such as case Identification from the community, referral for diagnosis, timely management, motivation, counseling, follow up and comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration to free the society from obstetric fistula.
In his remarks, Dr Motaherul Islam said integrated efforts of all government and non-government entities and other specialists concerned is very important for eliminating obstetric fistula from the country by 2030.
He clarified that obstetric fistula is one such chronic debilitating condition for women around the country. Obstructed and prolonged labors are the prime causes for developing obstetric fistula, Dr Motaherul added.
