AdSEARCH study presented at ISOFS Conference
At the 9th International Conference of the Society of Obstetric Fistula Surgeons (ISOFS), Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, presented a study “Design, Development, and Demonstration of a Hospital-Based Register for Fistula Management in Bangladesh” in Dhaka. ISOFS is the leading international professional body for those engaged at the forefront of the prevention of obstetric fistula, treatment and rehabilitation of women with fistula. Based on a study by AdSEARCH, Dr Rahman highlighted how a unified, hospital-based register could provide valuable insights into the prevalence and management of fistula in Bangladesh. Standardising data collection across healthcare facilities aims to enhance patient care, bolster health services, and ensure accountability in addressing this debilitating condition. Dr Rahman emphasised the importance of accurate registration for identifying gaps in care, optimising resource allocation, and improving treatment outcomes. He pointed, that registration is a vital tool to measure the scale of the problem, monitor progress, and guide evidence-based policy decisions. In his remark Dr Shams El Arifeen, “Our goal of a fistula-free Bangladesh by 2030 and it just less than 6 years away. While treatment facilities play a critical role, we must also channel our energy into preventing fistula altogether. Prevention, accurate data, and coordinated efforts across all sectors are essential”. This five-day long conference was attended by over 500 delegates, including 167 international participants from 35 countries, centered on global efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula. The event was virtually inaugurated by Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh.
Major Attendees (chronology as appeared in the news):
Dr Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, Technical Coordinator of AdSEARCH & Scientist, icddr,b
Dr Shams El Arifeen, Project Director, AdSEARCH & Emeritus Scientist, icddr,b
