The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula reminds us all of the silent suffering endured by countless women and girls in Nigeria and around the world over a condition that is both preventable and treatable.
Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu stated this in her message marking 2025 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
She says this year’s theme, “Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula Worldwide,” highlights the urgent need to take bold and comprehensive steps towards eliminating this serious condition.
While noting that many women in Nigeria continue to suffer from Obstetric Fistula in silence, often isolated and stigmatized simply for trying to bring a life into this world, the First Lady emphasizes the need to discourage such practice and support affected women.
She also calls for prevention which must involve strengthening maternal health services, ending child marriage, empowering women and girls through education, and ensuring skilled care before, during, and after childbirth.
