Malawi Government Pledges to Continue Supporting Fistula Programs
Malawi government to continue supporting fistula programs, management, and rehabilitation.
Ntchisi, Malawi — Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daud-MP has said that the Malawi government will continue to support fistula programmes, management, and rehabilitation as part of its policies and strategic interventions for sustainability, writes Abraham Bisayi.
Daud made the remarks during the commemoration of International Fistula Day at Kasakala School Ground in Traditional Authority Malenga in Ntchisi.
"In Malawi, the magnitude of obstetric fistula is huge, as the most vulnerable groups are adolescent girls and young women, especially when they become pregnant at an early age," Daud said.
"These women and girls are subjected to a lot of psychological problems in society, ranging from gender-based violence, stigma, and discrimination. Let's hold hands in protecting the young generation by ending fistula by 2030."
Daud further added that the Ministry of Health has developed a national obstetric fistula strategy for 2023–2030, which will guide the implementation of interventions towards fistula with the aim of preventing and ending fistula in Malawi.
Nelida Rodriguez, UNFPA Malawi representative, emphasised that her organisation will render much-needed support in ensuring that Malawi achieves the goal of ending fistula in Malawi by 2030.
The commemoration was held under the theme, "20 years of progress, but not enough! Act now to end fistula by 2030."