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International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 2024

May 23 is the United Nations’ (UN) International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, which promotes action towards treating and preventing obstetric fistula, a condition that affects many girls and women in developing countries.

Pregnant women in developing countries need access to proper healthcare to avoid problems like obstetric fistula.

©iStockphoto.com/GomezDavid

Celebrate the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Fundraisers, media announcements and mobile van campaigns driven by health professionals are a few of many events and activities that promote the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.

Public Life

The International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is a global observance and not a public holiday.

About the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged labor without prompt medical intervention, such as a Caesarean section. An estimated 2 to 3 million women and girls in developing countries are living with obstetric fistula.

In 2003 the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and its partners launched the global Campaign to End Fistula, a collaborative initiative to prevent fistula and restore the health of those affected by the condition. In 2012, the UN announced that it would observe International Day to End Obstetric Fistula on May 23 each year, starting on 2013.

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula Observances

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2019ThuMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2020SatMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2021SunMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2022MonMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2023TueMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2024ThuMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2025FriMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2026SatMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2027SunMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2028TueMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance
2029WedMay 23International Day to End Obstetric FistulaUnited Nations observance

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.