UN videos on Eritrea's fight against Fistula, FGM and support for maternity waiting homes

Obstetric fistula is a major health problem affecting many young women in Eritrea.

Forty-eight per cent of cases treated in 2015 were women aged 18-25. Child marriage is the major contributor.

Almost 13 percent of women aged 20-24 were first married before the age of 5.

UNFPA's Sexual and Reproductive Health Program has contributed to the obstetric fistula repair for more than 1,243 women at the Fistula Center.

Watch what happened when UNFPA supported fistula repairs in Eritrea.



Due to long distances and mountainous terrain, many women struggle to access health facilities in time for safe delivery. With UNFPA's support, maternity waiting homes are changing this reality for women in Eritrea and saving lives.



Eritrea is a patriarchal society with many traditional beliefs. Unfortunately not all traditional beliefs are positive.

Since 2007, female genital mutilation has become punishable by law. Despite criminalization, the prevalence of FGM is high, at 83%.

What more needs to be done to eradicate this harmful practice in the country?

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