UNFPA Promises More Support for Fistula Project in Liberia

A visiting Regional Director of the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) has pledged the Fund's continuous support to efforts aimed at eradicating fistula out Liberia.

Dr. Faustin Yao, UNFPA Regional Director of the Sub Regional Office for West and Central Africa based in Dakar, Senegal, said globally, women with fistula endure enormous psychological and social trauma; therefore, empowering them to reclaim their place in society remains a major goal of UNFPA campaign.

Speaking Friday, April 16 at the graduation ceremony of more than 20 Fistula survivors from the Fistula Rehabilitation Center in Jacob's Town, Paynesville, Dr. Yao challenged the graduates to utilize the skills acquired and serve as ambassadors for others. “Go and demonstrate to your communities that there is absolutely no problem in human life for which there cannot be a solution,” he added.

Speaking earlier, The Liberia Fistula Project Manager, Dr. John Mulbah, said the fight against the condition remained on course.

Dr. Mulbah stated that since the launch of the project in 2007, about 564 patients had been treated. He said 35 of those cases were treated this year.

Fistula is a disease that develops in the internal organs of women, causing constant urine and making it impossible for them to have children.

The 25 young women who were treated benefited from training in tie and dye, tailoring, pastry and cosmetology, among others.

Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Director Faustin Yao pledged the agency's continued support to the Liberia Fistula Project.

Meanwhile, UNFPA has commended President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her role in the launch of the Women's Health Commission of Africa.

In a statement, UNFPA Resident Representative Ms. Esperance Fundira lauded President Sirleaf for her role as 'distinguished Honorary Chair of this Commission'.

“We believe the decision to take up this task is a clear testimony of her high-level commitment and distinguished leadership in fostering the health and wellbeing of the women of Liberia and those of the African continent in general,” she added.