Burkina Faso faces significant challenge with obstetric fistula, affecting nearly 16,000 women
via Lefaso.net10 min read
In Burkina Faso, approximately 16,000 women are estimated to live with obstetric fistula, with around 900 new cases reported annually. This severe childbirth complication leads to isolation, stigmatization, and precarious living conditions for many women. Dr. Itengré Ouédraogo, a reconstructive surgeon and head of the ARENA association, is dedicated to providing free comprehensive care, including reconstructive surgery and socio-economic reintegration, to these patients. Obstetric fistula is a complication of childbirth resulting in an abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina, or rectum and vagina, causing continuous leakage of urine or feces. It often arises from obstructed labor where women lack timely access to a C-section. ARENA adopts a holistic approach, covering prevention to social reintegration. They conduct community awareness campaigns, collaborate with health centers, and train health workers for early detection and referral. Treatment at ARENA is completely free, encompassing surgical intervention, comorbidity management, psychological support, and socio-economic reintegration through income-generating activity training. While some severe cases may impact future pregnancies, most women can have children after successful repair. Cultural context is significant, as many women, especially those who developed fistula during their first delivery and lost the baby, desire to procreate again. Challenges include overcoming community stereotypes and stigmatizati
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The official launch of the second phase of the "Economic Empowerment of Women through Innovation and Access to Intellectual Property" AFPI project is taking place in Burkina Faso's capital from June 9 to 12, 2026. This initiative is led by the African Intellectual Property Organization OAPI in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund UNFPA. The project aims to promote female innovation and increase women's participation in scientific, technological, and agri-food sectors. It seeks to provide women with tools to protect their creations, enhance their innovations, and improve their businesses' competitiveness in national and international markets. The second phase of the AFPI project focuses on strategic actions, including strengthening beneficiaries' capacities through training and awareness campaigns, supporting the filing of industrial property titles, and identifying and mapping high-value-added female initiatives. The project also plans to create a platform for exchange between women in technology and those in agro-pastoral and agri-food sectors. Specific support will be given to innovative projects resulting from collaborations between young engineers and agribusiness entrepreneurs. This new phase follows a successful first phase implemented in Cameroon in August 2025, which motivated the expansion to Burkina Faso with the goal of fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem and strengthening women's economic empowerment. Yacouba Zabré Gouba, the minister in c
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