Export Objective: The main purpose of this review is to encourage effective leadership and stakeholders to take serious action—including fair distribution of financial resources—to prevent more cases of obstetric fistula and to treat the women currently suffering from such a neglected tragedy. It also aims to encourage government ministries and to strengthen the influence of the World Health Organization in the development of effective regional policies and research. The review highlights the clinical causes, historical background, socioeconomic status, and risk factors that lead to the susceptibility to obstructed and prolonged labor, which is a major direct cause of obstetric fistula. Methods: The review was conducted by searching PubMed for selection of relevant articles that include related studies and theoretical public health articles, mostly from Sub-Saharan African countries. Results and Conclusions: The authors emphasize the importance of strengthening services for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health to ensure coverage for all as stated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Recommendations: A summary of the recommended strategic and operational actions is presented in a detailed table, showing the level of action and identifying the institutions and communities responsible for implementing them.
Eltahir et al. (Tue,) studied this question.