Deliveries at home account for obstetric fistulas - official

Angola, Luanda - Deliveries at home under the assistance of inexperienced midwives are the major cause of obstetric fistula in women in labour, said Wednesday the deputy minister of Health, Evelize Fresta. Speaking to Angop on maternal health, without disclosing the number, the deputy minister regretted the situation, stressing that the national figure of obstetric fistula cases remains high. Referring particularly to the commune of Gamba, Nharea district, in central Bie province, Evelize Fresta noted that the problem of obstetric fistula was recorded in half a hundred women who have come from various parts of the country. However, the official appealed to pregnant women to make three consultations during pregnancy and births in health facilities, with the assistance of skilled people. Obstetric fistula (or vaginal fistula) is a serious medical condition in which a fistula (opening) develops between the rectum and vagina (rectovaginal fistula) or between the bladder and the vagina (vesicovaginal fistula) after an inappropriate delivery, when medical care are not available.