International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2023: Date, History, Facts Regarding Babies

Every year on May 23, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness and gathering support for obstetric fistula, a birth-related injury that disproportionately effects women in low-income regions. It is a hole in the birth canal caused by protracted labour, lack of medical intervention, and other factors during childbirth. According to the United Nations Population Fund (U.N.F.P.A. ), obstetric fistula is among the most grievous and tragic birth-related injuries. In 2013, the United Nations (U.N.) observed the holiday for the first time.

The background of International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula dates back to 2003, when the United Nations Population Fund launched the ‘Campaign to End Fistula.’ The United Nations began celebrating International Day to End Obstetric Fistula in 2013, making it an annual event. Obstetric fistula is a birth-related injury that primarily affects women in low-income regions. As previously explained, obstetric fistulas are the result of obstructed labour, which creates a cavity in the birth canal.

Midwives typically assisted mothers during childbirth, which typically occurred at home. Not until the 1920s did hospital births become more prevalent in the United States. However, the procedure utilised dubious techniques, such as forceps and anaesthesia. In his 1942 book, “Childbirth Without Fear,” a physician named Dr. Grantly Dick-Read enumerated the advantages of giving birth without the use of such tools or anaesthesia.

In the 1970s, new fashion trends emerged. Men were now permitted to accompany their pregnant wives in the delivery room, a previously taboo practise. In addition, painkillers such as epidurals increased in prominence. Additionally, water births and breathing work gained popularity. In the early 2000s, c-sections became an alternative to vaginal delivery and accounted for one-third of births. As a result of medical advancements, childbirth is currently less dangerous and secure. However, problems such as obstetric fistula must still be addressed and eradicated through greater awareness and universal healthcare.

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5 IMPORTANT FACTS REGARDING BABIES

Before the age of two weeks, infants are unable to produce tears; however, some infants may take longer to generate’real tears.’

Babies do not have true kneecaps until approximately six months of age.

Adults have 206 bones, while neonates have 300 bones that eventually fuse into 206.

Babies are born with the ability to recognise their mother’s intonation and scent.

Only 5% of babies are delivered on their due dates, while 50% are born within a week and 90% are born within two weeks.

NTERNATIONAL DAY TO END OBSTETRIC FISTULA DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	May 23	Tuesday
2024	May 23	Thursday
2025	May 23	Friday
2026	May 23	Saturday
2027	May 23	Sunday