Preventing Obstetric Fistula in Angola: the Second National Conference
Votoka was honoured to partner with CICA (Board of Christian Churches of Angola) to present the 2nd National Conference on the Role of the Church in the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula. The event was held in Luanda at the Tocoist Church on the 4th of March with a total of 203 participants.
This highly successful 2nd national conference included the presence of the Minister of Health, Dr Silvia Lutacuta, as well as the Secretary of State for Hospitals Dr Leonardo Europeu, and UNFPA Representative in Angola, Rinko Kinoshita. Over 100 church leaders were present at the day long event, with a particular emphasis on the participation of female church leaders.
Votoka was ably represented by Petra Jobse, Veronica Jolomba, Elisa Raúl and Silva Sambaca. We were also proud to support the participation of our partners from CEML Aftercare and Kaluquembe "House of Hope". The event made the national news, and our Campaign Coordinator Veronica was interviewed by the national news provider TPA.
The Minister of Health spoke about the importance of community organisations such as Votoka, stating that "we recognise all the work done by Votoka and the church, great promotors of health". UNFPA Representative spoke about UN objectives in regards to obstetric fistula, strategies for maternal health, increasing institutional births, gender-based violence and the high rate of adolescent pregnancies in Angola. She also identified the lack of effective pre-natal care as an area of concern.
Votoka highlighted five key areas where church leaders can work with their congregations to help prevent obstetric fistula:
giving girls time and resources to grow to maturity before having children (supporting girls education, delaying marriage, improving nutrition)
promoting family planning
promoting active participation in pre-natal consults
encouraging women to plan for the birth, especially the need to travel to a hospital with emergency obstetric care capabilities, with their family members (hope for the best, plan for the worst)
creating awareness amongst their communities about obstetric fistula
Prevention is the key to bringing an end to obstetric fistula. Together with our partners we hope to contribute to the reduction of obstetric fistula cases in Angola - sharing knoweldge, creating awareness, and actively seeking to create change!
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