The Obstetric Fistula Advocacy Group

29/07/2025

Great to finally see obstetric fistula and repairs being talked about in the media

Fifth-year Obstetrics & Gynaecology Registrar Dr Hannah Rienks is jet-setting to Uganda this week to provide life-changing care to vulnerable women. 👩

More than 100 obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse surgeries will be performed for women who would otherwise go without care. 🩺

"It's a huge honour to be involved," Dr Rienks said.

"I’ve always been interested in improving the health of women in need, not just in Australia but globally too.

"These women give birth in their villages with medical help several days’ walk away. In cases of obstructed labour, they have no choice but to continue labouring in excruciating pain, on average for four days, resulting in life-changing injuries."

Dr Rienks is this year's recipient of the $10,000 Walshs Medical Bursary, which she will use to cover the surgical costs for 22 Ugandan women.

Stay tuned – she’s promised to catch up with us for an update on her return. 👀

25/05/2023

Obstetric Fistula still occurs in developing countries. When the Australasian Birth Trauma Association - ABTA ran a birth injuries survey in 2022 some respondents reported developing a obstetric fistula and had no idea where to turn.

There are a myriad of agencies out there who can help now, most of them didn’t exist when I was recovering from mine. Please give ABTA a follow, they do great work 🩷

08/03/2023

Once again another story highlighting the failure of our medical system. This isn’t a story about Australia’s medical system but a story about how is not taken seriously. Any where.

On 2023 its clear we still have serious systemic issues if someone from Australia has to go to NYC to get treated!

In an International Women's Day post, the conservationist and TV personality urges women "quietly dealing with pain" to "keep searching for answers".

11/01/2023

FYI: Antibiotic shortages for those living in Australia.

⚠️Medicine shortage update - Nationwide shortage of certain antibiotics⚠️

We are aware of shortages of some antibiotics in Australia, including amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefalexin, metronidazole and trimethoprim.

Most of the shortages are caused by manufacturing issues and/or an unexpected increase in demand.

We recognise the importance of antibiotics in treating patients and we continue to facilitate the supply of alternative medicines as a priority.

We publish up-to-date information on these shortages, including predicted return to supply dates, in our medicine shortage reports database.

Read more: https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/medicine-shortage-alerts/nationwide-shortage-certain-antibiotics-update