UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is working with the Government of Nepal to end and prevent obstetric fistula, support surgeries and provide capacity building to health institutions and service providers. One of the most serious injuries of childbearing, obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal, caused by prolonged, obstructed labor due to lack of timely and adequate medical care, early or closely spaced pregnancies.
Obstetric fistula was only officially recognized in Nepal after the launch of UNFPA's Campaign to End Fistula in 2010.