John Dumelo with survivors of Obstetric Fistula
The Ministry of Health and United Nation’s Population Fund (UNPFA) have endorsed John Dumelo as the ambassador for Obstetric Fistula in Ghana. The endorsement was made at a ceremony held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra on Thursday.
Obstetric Fistula is an abnormal hole that develops between the virginal, rectum or and bladder as a results of prolonged labour during childbirth. This condition causes women to leak urine or faeces or both. Health experts in Ghana are alarmed at the high number of Obstetric Fistula cases recorded in Ghana. Research indicates that about 1,300 new cases are recorded annually.
Majority of women who have this ailment are living in isolation due to the rejection they face from relatives and friends even though it is not infectious. According to experts, even though this condition prevails in all 10 regions of Ghana, the Northern region has the highest prevalence, followed by Ashanti, Western, Central and the Upper regions.
John Dumelo at the event promised to use his fame to focus on awareness creation by using documentaries, films, cartoons as well as raise funds to pay for the treatment of women with fistula.
Dumelo in November 2015 was invited by the United Nation’s Population Fund to see how best they can collaborate and reduce the rate of obstetric fistula Ghana. The United Nation’s Population Fund and the Ghana Health Service assessment of OBF 2014-2015 data indicated that 53% patients were married and 35% at least have had primary education.
Currently, there are three main hospitals which offer dedicated OBF care – Mercy Women’s Catholic Hospital at Mankessim-Central region and Tamale Fistula Center, Tamale Central Hospital all in the Northern region.
Dr Babatunde Ahonsi UNPFA Representative in Ghana.
Chairman of the National Task Force on Obstetric Fistula, Dr Anyetei Lassey
The minister of health, Mr Alex Segbefia
