UNFPA & the Campaign to End Fistula are delighted to announce the new edition of the global UN guidance, Obstetric fistula & other forms of female genital fistula: Guiding principles for clinical management and programme development. The so-called “orange manual” has long been the only authoritative, gold-standard guide to the holistic, comprehensive and “bigger picture” aspects of eliminating obstetric fistula (including programming, policy, prevention, treatment, social reintegration and more). The original (2006) version of the manual has now been updated with the latest evidence, strategies, tools and resources.

The new manual embodies the global/UN vision of the new way forward and paradigm shift as we move toward eradicating fistula by 2030, as per the UN General Assembly Resolution (2018 & 2020) and the UN Secretary General’s Report (2020) on intensifying efforts to end obstetric fistula within a decade. If we are to accomplish this visionary, ambitious goal, new approaches & strategies are required, based on current evidence, best practices and lessons learnt in the decade plus since the original edition of this manual was issued.

Given the urgency of ending obstetric fistula as a critical step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realizing the promise of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, this manual serves as a crucial resource and a guiding light on the path to achieving health, gender equality and human rights for all.