Abakaliki, Nigeria – About 30 women on Wednesday benefited from free a Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) surgery in Ebonyi state.
The surgery was organised by the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), Abakaliki, in partnership with Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally-displaced Persons (BERWO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The programme is part of the ceremony to discharge the patients after empowering and rehabilitating them of their free-repaired fistula.
Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, Wife of the state Governor, speaking on behalf of her husband, Gov. Francis Nwifuru, reaffirmed continuous advocacy and education to prevent obstetric fistula.
Mrs Nwifuru promised to provide access to quality maternal healthcare, early intervention, prevention of gender-based violence and community awareness which are essential to ensure no woman suffers from the condition.
“The empowerment you received today is not just about financial assistance or vocational training; it is about restoring your sense of self-worth and independence.
“It is about giving you the tools you need to build a future. Remember to observe strictly all post-surgery instructions to ensure proper healing.
“BERWO will make available starter packs to enable you practice the various skills you have learnt,” Nwifuru said.
Prof Johnson Obuna, the Medical Director of the centre, revealed that about 76.6 per cent of women with fistula in the southern part of the country was due to poor cesarean section and repeated procedures.
Obuna described fistula as abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.
According to him, out of 10 women who develope fistula, one die from child birth.
He called on women to visit the centre during pregnancy for proper maternity and delivery services.
“The commonest cause of fistula in this part of the world is wrong surgeries, not prolonged obstructed labour.
“Such fistula found in this region is hard to operate, unlike what obstructed labour could cause. It’s better to stop fistula than allowing it to occur,” he said.
He appealed to women to prevent fistula by identifying with hospitals that have adequate manpower and to prevent maternal and child deaths.
“So, whenever a woman gets pregnant, ensure to register in hospitals that can handle you. Adhere to this,” he advised.
The medical expert, however, acknowledged that no woman who went through maternity services of the centre developed fistula since inception in 2020.
He noted that the centre offers free antenatal, cesarean section and baby care.
He advised the patients to abstain from sexual intercourse untill after six months, pledging that they would receive free family planning during check-ups to prevent pregnancy for at least one year to enable their wounds heal.
He called on the public to take advantage of the services for proper medical services and care.
Mrs Chinwe Okah, who double as the representative of the UNFPA and the state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, commended the partners for their supports and Mrs Nwifuru, who keyed into the programme.
Okah said that the UNFPA had assured of its continuous commitment to support the project in the state.
She stated that the state government had been committed in carrying out its beats on budget planning.
Mrs Gladys Nwachi, a Patient from Anambra state, said she lived 18 years with the medical condition.
“I spent long days and nights crying over this condition. All surgeries from different hospital were not successful until I came to this centre. I am free and happy to return back to my family healthy again. I appreciate UNFPA, the professional medical team and Mrs Nwifuru for coming to our aid,” Nwachi said.
Mrs Aniete Ifeanyichukwu, a beneficiary from Enugu state, blamed her condition on an auto accident.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Clementina Mbeemachi, said she had suffered the condition since 2014.
“I had this complication and on the process, I lost my baby because I was pregnant as at that time. And I had failed surgeries, until I came to NOFIC where the repair was successful and free,” she said.
The event featured cash gift of N60,000 to each patients from Mrs Nwifuru.
