Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Manner of Speaking]

Five years ago, I read an article in the International Herald Tribune about a horrible health condition called obstetric fistula. An obstetric fistula develops when the blood supply to the tissues of the vagina and the bladder (and/or rectum) is cut off during prolonged obstructed labor. The tissues die and in many cases a hole forms in the wall of the vagina, allowing urine and/or feces to enter the vagina and pass out of the body uncontrollably.


I remember the article talked about the situation of women in developing countries who suffer this condition. Women who develop fistulas are often abandoned by their husbands, rejected by their communities, and forced to live an isolated existence. In addition to complete incontinence, a fistula victim may develop nerve damage to the lower extremities after a multi-day labor in a squatting position. Fistula victims also suffer profound psychological trauma resulting from their utter loss of status and dignity.


When I read this article five years ago, I was appalled at how horrible this condition must be, and the article detailed that there was only *one* doctor anywhere in the developed world who had expertise to help these women.


Since that article, a foundation in the US has been established and a hospital in Ethiopia dedicated to helping fistula victims has been expanded. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital is the world�s only medical center dedicated exclusively to providing free fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from childbirth injuries. Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital has restored the lives and hopes of more than 25,000 women who would have otherwise perished or suffered lifelong complications brought on by childbirth injuries, specifically obstetric fistula. Today, the hospital provides free fistula repair surgery to approximately 1,200 women every year and cares for 35 long-term patients.

http://www.fistulafoundation.org/index.html

[Big_Bird]

Thanks MOS. This is indeed wonderful news.

I remember years ago seeing a documentary about an old couple (both doctors - from Australia I think) who had moved to Africa and had devoted their lives to healing women with this problem. I have rarely felt as much admiration as I did for these doctors.

[Manner of Speaking]

I just sent them $100.

Man...really puts things in perspective, doesn't it. You think you have problems...and then you read about something like this...

[Big_Bird]