Today is the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Meet 36-year-old Ugandan mother Justine Nitele. Following a long labor without access to quality health services, Justine developed fistula. This debilitating condition results in the leaking of bodily fluids and, in many cases, ostracism from families and communities. Fistula affects more than two million women in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Through USAID support, Justine was able to undergo fistula repair surgery and now raises awareness in her community about fistula and the importance of delivering in a facility and healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies.

On the occasion of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, USAID is thrilled to present this new video on our work to empower mothers like Justine. Since 2004, USAID has supported more than 54,000 fistula repair surgeries as well as prevention and social reintegration services.

• See how Justine was able to overcome fistula and get a fresh start
• Watch Justine’s story from suffering to a bright future
• Read how a simple fistula surgery transformed Rwandan mother Claudine’s life
• Learn more about our support for maternal health worldwide