The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said the agency has empowered 6000 Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) survivors in Nigeria and tasked governments to ensure that girls are encouraged to go to school.
Executive Director of UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, disclosed this at the fifth graduation from the vocational skills training of women and girls living with obstetric fistula in Kano.
He said the 25 women and girls are the beneficiaries from the rehabilitation programme in 2016.
According to him, in Nigeria, it is estimated that 12,000 new fistula cases occur each year, and approximately 150,000 women of reproductive age are affected with Obstetric Fistula.
“The women, beyond the agony of losing their babies they experience, they must endure the mockery of others, the rejection of friends and family, and the stigmatisation put on them by the society,” he said.
Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin
He said UNFPA spearheaded the Global Campaign to End Fistula, to help prevent, treat, rehabilitate, and reintegrate women and girls to their communities.
He added that in line with these objectives, the fund through an innovative collaboration with the government and other partners, launched the Fistula Fortnight in Kano, and implemented in Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He said the Fistula Fortnight was a groundbreaking initiative in terms of advocacy, mobilising support and expanding access to treatment.
Prof. Osotimehin said UNFPA actively supported the establishment of Laure Fistula Treatment Centre in Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, and the training of healthcare workers from Gwarzo and Gezawa General Hospitals in fistula management and prevention.
The executive director said it is in addition to supply of fistula surgical equipment, treatment kits and consumables, including preventive midwifery equipment and delivery kits to these hospitals.
He added that UNFPA also supported with equipping of the Kwalli VVF Hostel including supply of teaching aids to the literacy classroom.
He commended the state’s free maternal and child health policy, recruitment of more healthcare workers and upgrading of general hospitals, as laudable initiatives towards reducing the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity.
He said ending fistula remains one of UNFPA’s highest priorities and “we shall intensify our efforts towards the elimination of obstetric fistula within this generation.”
