Abstract

*Tenzing H. Gurung, Hari E. Malla and Pasang B. Sherpa

Obstetric fistula is a devastating and preventable tragedy that primarily affects young, poor women who lack the means to access quality maternal care. Women living with fistula are constantly wet from the leaking of urine and often experience genital ulceration, infections and a humiliating odor. About 20% of women with fistula also develop unilateral or bilateral foot drop that limits their day-to-day activities. They are typically shunned by their partners, families and communities because they are considered unclean, and many live in nearly complete isolation. Without financial support, many women with fistula are forced to beg for their living, and they are especially vulnerable to malnutrition and violence.