ABOUT CAMPAIGN TO END FISTULA

In 2003, UNFPA spearheased the global Campaign to End Fistula, a collaborative initiative to prevent fistula and restore the health and dignity of those living with its consequences.

Obstretic fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged labour without prompt medical intervention - very often the woman is left with chronic incontience and, in most cases, a stillborn baby.

Simple surgery can normally repair the injury with success rates as high as 90 per cent for experienced surgeons.

Natalie Imbruglia is a spokesperson for the UNFPA-led Campaign to End Fistula and an Ambassador for Virgin Unite. Natalie first heard about fistula while speaking to Richard Branson, the CEO of the Virgin Group. In January 2005, she visited fistula hospitals in Ethiopia and Nigeria with representatives from UNFPA and Virgin Unite.