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A young person’s reflections on what “health” really means

My work experience at the World Council of Churches (WCC) consisted of meeting with professionals whose work related to health. Before our meetings, I wanted to get a clear understanding of the term “health.” The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

15 July 2024
Publication
Cover of booklet: Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula shows a group of women from the Freedom from Fistula Foundation in Toamasina, Madagascar, following their repair surgeries.

Tari-dalana hoan’ny fiangonana momba ny fisorohana ny Mamany Lava

WCC Human Rights programme

This guide aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula—a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. Obstetric fistula can have devastating physical, emotional, and economic consequences for women and can even result in permanent disability.

It introduces readers to obstetric fistula and explains why churches need to be concerned. It discusses how churches can help prevent the condition from occurring in the women in their congregations and local communities. It also offers practical and emotional support and encouragement to those who are suffering with obstetric fistula. Finally, this guide outlines the advocacy work being done and suggests some actions churches can take.

Available for download in English, Portuguese, and Malagasy.

23 April 2024
Publication
Cover of booklet: Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula shows a group of women from the Freedom from Fistula Foundation in Toamasina, Madagascar, following their repair surgeries.

Um Guia para as Igrejas sobre a Prevenção da Fístula Obstétrica

WCC Human Rights programme

Este guia tem como objetivo sensibilizar igrejas e comunidades religiosas sobre a condição catastrófica que é a fístula obstétrica – uma lesão que ocorre no parto, geralmente devido a trabalhos de parto prolongados e obstruídos que não recebem intervenção médica em tempo hábil. A fístula obstétrica pode ter consequências físicas, emocionais e econômicas devastadoras para as mulheres, podendo inclusive levar a deficiência permanente.
 

16 January 2024
News
A young woman holding her child, Uganda

WCC guide raises awareness of obstetric fistula

A new guide published by the World Council of Churches (WCC) aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the role they can play in the prevention of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. 

26 October 2023
Publication
Cover of booklet: Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula shows a group of women from the Freedom from Fistula Foundation in Toamasina, Madagascar, following their repair surgeries.

A Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula

WCC Human Rights programme

This guide aims to raise awareness in churches and church communities of the catastrophic condition of obstetric fistula—a childbirth injury usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. Obstetric fistula can have devastating physical, emotional, and economic consequences for women and can even result in permanent disability.

It introduces readers to obstetric fistula and explains why churches need to be concerned. It discusses how churches can help prevent the condition from occurring in the women in their congregations and local communities. It also offers practical and emotional support and encouragement to those who are suffering with obstetric fistula. Finally, this guide outlines the advocacy work being done and suggests some actions churches can take.

Available for download in English, Portuguese, and Malagasy.

26 October 2023
Document
Statement: public statement
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Joint statement of ecumenical partners on prevention of obstetric fistula at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council

A joint statement of the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, Geneva for Human Rights, Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, and Vivat International delivered during the debate on human rights and obstetric fistula at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 17 March 2023. The statement was delivered by Eva Abel from Kenya, masters student at the WCC Ecumenical Institute in Bossey.

20 March 2023
Commission on International Affairs
Blog post
hands together

Women suffering from fistula need urgent help

Rose Mantey qualified as a state registered nurse in Ghana in 1996, and completed training in midwifery in 2002. In 2005 she started working in a maternal and child health community clinic, attached to the Mercy Women’s Catholic Hospital in Mankessin, Ghana. 

09 December 2022
News
Women at the hospital

Churches grow better equipped to help women suffering from obstetric fistula

Visiting Madagascar in partnership with the Catholic Spiritan brotherhood and the non-government organization Geneva for Human Rights last week, the World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation explored how the resources shared better equip churches to help women suffering from obstetric fistula – condition which impacts millions of women around the world, particularly in sub-saharan Africa.

06 December 2022