Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent and coordinated action to end obstetric fistula, describing the condition as a preventable and treatable childbirth injury that no woman or girl should endure. In a message to commemorate the 2026 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula observed on Saturday, the First Lady joined the global community in advocating improved maternal healthcare, girls’ education, and an end to child marriage.
Theme and Key Messages
She noted that this year’s theme, “Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future without Fistula,” highlights the importance of guaranteeing every woman and girl access to quality healthcare and safe childbirth services. According to her, early marriage and teenage pregnancy remain among the leading causes of obstetric fistula, warning that many young girls are forced into childbirth before their bodies are fully developed.
Contributing Factors
Mrs Tinubu also identified harmful traditional practices, poverty, poor access to skilled birth attendants, and inadequate awareness as major factors worsening maternal health challenges in many communities. She stressed the need for governments, health institutions, traditional leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations to work together to eliminate the condition and protect the dignity of women and girls.
Call to Action
“The theme reminds us that access to quality maternal healthcare is a fundamental right. Early marriage and early pregnancy remain major causes of obstetric fistula, as a young girl’s body is often not fully developed for childbirth,” she stated. The First Lady further urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward ending child marriage, empowering girls through education, and expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
She reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to improving maternal and child healthcare outcomes across the country, while calling on Nigerians to support initiatives aimed at ensuring safer pregnancies and childbirth. “We must act urgently to end child marriage, empower girls through education, and ensure every woman has access to quality healthcare,” she said.
Collective Responsibility
Mrs Tinubu added that collective action was necessary to build a future where every birth is safe and no woman loses her life or dignity due to preventable childbirth complications. Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury often caused by prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. The condition frequently leaves affected women with chronic incontinence, social stigma, and severe health complications.
