HUMAN rights groups yesterday called on government to ensure a free maternal health policy becomes a reality to address challenges related to obstetric fistula (OF).
OF is one of the most serious and tragic child-birth injuries.
It is caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment.
Speaking on the sidelines of a media training on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Amnesty International Zimbabwe campaigns co-ordinator Roselina Muzerengi said lack of access to SRHR services was among the key drivers of OF.
“Our recommendations, especially to government, is to say that they must make free maternal health policy a reality, it should not just be on paper,” Muzerengi said.
“They must ensure that people, especially those in rural areas, have access to maternal and SRHR services.”
Muzerengi also bemoaned the increase in maternal mortality rates due to the condition.
“When we carried out our research we discovered that young girls who are married off at the age of 18 are more prone to this condition as their bodies have not fully developed,” she said.
Katswe Sistahood programmes manager Debra Mwase echoed similar sentiments.
“The fact that child victims of sexual violence are unable to get termination of pregnancy because certain crimes such as statutory rape are not considered as grounds for termination leaves parents with no option than to marry off the girls,” Mwase said.