Sirajganj:A 15-day campaign aimed at detecting obstetric fistula patients was officially launched in Sirajganj. The initiative, organized by the Health Department and the Department of Family Planning, is supported technically by the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the campaign will run from November 1 to 17, 2026. The inaugural event was presided over by Acting Civil Surgeon Dr. Taslima Jannat, with Dr. ATM Nuruzzaman, Director of Sirajganj Medical College Hospital, attending as the Chief Guest.
The campaign includes participation from various health professionals, including Md. Rayhanul Islam, Deputy Director of the District Family Planning Office, and gynecologists Dr. Bonani Roy and Dr. Shanta Islam from the 250-bed General Hospital, Sirajganj. Health and Family Planning Officers from nine upazilas, along with the Health Inspector-in-Charge, were also present.
Following the inauguration, an advocacy meeting on fistula was held, where health officials emphasized the need for awareness, proper diagnosis, and treatment to eradicate obstetric fistula. CIPRB District Coordinator Saiful Islam Sharif called for the cooperation of doctors and specialists to ensure proper identification and treatment of affected women.
The program involves preliminary screening for suspected patients, who will then be referred to the District Hospital Fistula Corner for diagnosis. Confirmed cases will be sent to the National Fistula Centre at Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. UNFPA and CIPRB will cover treatment and transportation costs, with additional support for post-treatment rehabilitation.
Dr. Faria Tasmin, Medical Officer and MPDSR Focal Person at the Civil Surgeon Office, moderated the advocacy meeting. Dr. Kaniz Fatema, Field Officer for UNFPA Bangladesh, presented a PowerPoint on the current progress of fistula cases in the Sirajganj district.