Ghana Faces Major Obstetric Fistula Treatment Gap

Ghana is facing a significant challenge treating obstetric fistula. Between 2016 and 2025, health facilities recorded 3,688 cases. However, only 1,096 women received the necessary surgical repair. This leaves a large number of women without vital treatment.

Obstetric fistula is a serious injury that happens during childbirth. It causes a woman to leak urine or stool uncontrollably. This can lead to her being shamed, cast out from her community, and suffering long-term physical and emotional pain. The alarming gap in treatment has brought together Ghana's Ministry of Health, Parliament, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). They all recognise this condition as a preventable tragedy. It is strongly linked to not having enough emergency care during childbirth.

Recent estimates indicate that between 700 and 1,300 women develop obstetric fistula each year in Ghana. An average of about 845 cases occurs annually. While treatment centres are improving, a large number of untreated cases still burden the healthcare system. The UNFPA focuses on strengthening healthcare systems and supporting health workers who provide rehabilitation. Dr. Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative, said their work provides empathy and encouragement to caregivers. They help restore dignity and hope to neglected women.

To tackle this problem, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, announced plans for new dedicated obstetric fistula treatment centres. These centres will offer complete care under one roof. The current system is spread out, making it hard for patients to get the needed help. Dr. Ayensu-Danquah said the Ministry of Health wants to build more centres like the successful model in Yendi. This model includes facilities for care before and after surgery, as well as patient accommodation.

The Ministry of Health is also working to train more healthcare professionals. They aim to upgrade equipment and increase the number of specialists. These efforts are meant to improve fistula repair services nationwide. The Ministry hopes to create a centre of excellence for fistula treatment with the UNFPA and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Lawmakers are also stepping in. The Parliamentary Caucus on Population and Development, led by Patricia Appiagyei, and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, chaired by Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, have pledged their support. They are pushing for faster action to meet a 2030 elimination target for the condition. Lawmakers also want a dedicated national unit to coordinate efforts and make progress more efficient.