It is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. And it is almost entirely preventable.

Obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. It leaves women and girls leaking urine, faeces or both, and often leads to chronic medical problems, depression, social isolation and deepening poverty. Ninety per cent of pregnancies involving fistula end in stillbirth.