42 patients have been successfully treated for fistula over the last month in Northern Bahr al Ghazal State, the state Health Minister Tong Deng Anei announced as he urged authorities to combat child marriage.

Fistula is a debilitating and even life threatening condition. Girls who marry early are especially at risk if they give birth at a young age.

For this reason, Tong told authorities at all levels in South Sudan to fight and eliminate child marriage, which is prohibited by law, to lower the risk of fistula and give girls the opportunities they deserve.

"It is our strong believe that these young women should be allowed to pursue their studies until they are mature enough to make their independent decisions on when and who to marry," he said.

"Child marriage is an abuse on child rights and must be condemned without fear," Tong continued. "Underage marriage affects the future of young girls, their health and education."

The 42 women were treated in a campaign lasting from 25 November to 15 December led by the National and State Ministries of Health, the United Nations Population Fund  (UNFPA), and the Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA).

Doctors and nurses from Aweil State Hospital, UNMISS, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, DRC, and Juba Teaching Hospital participated in the program.

A further nine patients were screened for other gynecological issues not related to fistula during the campaign.

Photo: Pregnant women in line at Aweil hospital