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March is Women’s History month and it also holds International Women’s Day on the 8th. It’s a chance to celebrate women’s health achievements and focus on ways we can work to increase equity and justice for women across the globe.

IMR started the month with a fistula surgery campaign in the Sindh region in Pakistan. A fistula is a preventable birth injury caused by obstructed labor or as we are seeing increasingly, from difficult cesarean sections in unskilled hands. Koohi Goth hospital is the country’s largest center dedicated to the training and care of women with obstetric as well as other fistulas. The center’s main fistula surgeon is Dr. Shershah Syed, an internationally known fistula surgeon and renowned advocate for women. He is joined by other skilled surgeons trained in repairs and a very capable team of scrub techs, nurses, anesthetists, and staff. The hospital is home to a 2-year midwifery training program that houses, feeds, and trains students from across the country. It’s truly a remarkable place full of dedicated professionals and supported by generous donations. Oh, and did I mention it is completely free. All surgeries, meds, deliveries, midwifery training, room and board, 100% free. All of it. While there, I worked with surgeons who came from across the country to further their vaginal and fistula surgery skills. 

I was also invited to meet with staff and trainees at other hospitals across Karachi and performed prolapse surgery cases at the Jinnah Public Hospital. Later in the week, I traveled to the interior of Sind province to operate with the welcoming physicians at Sheik Zayed Women’s Hospital in Larkana, a historic city. The Sind province was devastated by historic flooding last year, and more than 6 months later, water still has not fully receded. Several fistula patients there needed surgery and it was an important opportunity to teach residents and students. 

Along the way, I was asked to share my thoughts with local TV and a national radio program. I used this opportunity to speak about health equity, human rights, and the vital role women, like our friend Dr. Shershah, play to advance these rights, especially for the poor and marginalized. I am thankful that IMR is able to partner with Koohi Goth hospital and other institutions that care for women with fistulas. In addition, I feel honored to help train the next generation of surgeons so that the end of fistulas may soon be in sight.

This Women’s History Month, a tax-deductible donation to IMR could go a very long way in our work to bring the best care to places that need it the most. Donate here.

Ambereen Sleemi

Executive Director, IMR

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