Intensification of efforts to end obstetric fistula
A/RES/73/147
of childbearing age in many regions of the world, and that a dramatic and sustainable
scaling-up of quality treatment and health-care services, including high-quality
emergency obstetric services, and of the number of trained, competent fistula
surgeons and midwives is needed to significantly reduce maternal and newborn
mortality and to eradicate obstetric fistula,
Noting that a human rights-based approach to eliminating obstetric fistula and
efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula should be underpinned by, inter alia,
accountability,
participation,
transparency,
empowerment,
sustainability,
non-discrimination and international cooperation,
Deeply concerned about discrimination against and marginalization of women
and girls, in particular those who are facing multiple and intersecting forms of
discrimination, which often result in reduced access to education and nut rition,
compromising their physical and mental health and well-being and the enjoyment of
their human rights and the opportunities and benefits of childhood and adolescence
compared with boys, and often in their being subjected to various forms of cultural ,
social, sexual and economic exploitation and abuse, violence and harmful practices,
which can increase the risk of obstetric fistula,
Deeply concerned also about the situation of women and girls living with or
recovering from obstetric fistula, who are often neglected and stigmatized, which may
lead to negative effects on their mental health, resulting in depression and suicide,
and are driven deeper into poverty and marginalization,
Recognizing the need to raise awareness among men and adolescent boys and,
in this context, to fully engage men and community leaders as strategic partners and
allies in the efforts to address and eliminate obstetric fistula,
Welcoming the contribution by Member States, the international community, the
private sector and civil society to the global Campaign to End Fistula led by the
United Nations Population Fund, bearing in mind that a people -centred approach to
social and economic development is fundamental for protecting and empowering
individuals and communities,
Deeply concerned that, as the global Campaign to End Fistula completes its
fifteenth anniversary, while some progress has been made, significant challenges
remain that require the intensification of efforts at all levels to end obstetric fistula,
Deeply concerned also about the insufficient resources for addressing obstetric
fistula in high-burden countries, compounded by the low levels of development
assistance for maternal and newborn health, which have declined in recent years, and
the substantial need for additional resources and support for the global Campaign to
End Fistula and for national and regional initiatives dedicated to improving maternal
health and eliminating obstetric fistula,
Noting the Secretary-General’s revised Global Strategy for Women’s,
Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030), undertaken by a broad coalition of
partners, in support of national plans and strategies that aim for the highest attainable
standards of health and well-being, physical, mental and social, at every age, ending
maternal and newborn mortality, which is preventable, and noting that this can
contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,
Welcoming the various national, regional and international initiatives on all the
Sustainable Development Goals and the global Campaign to End Fistula, including
those undertaken bilaterally and through South-South cooperation, in support of
national plans and strategies in sectors such as health, education, finance, gender
equality, energy, water and sanitation, poverty eradication and nutrition as a way to
reduce the number of maternal, newborn and under-5 child deaths,
18-22184
3/8