Abakaliki, Nigeria – Some 30 Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) patients have been discharged from the National Obstetric Fistula Center (NOFIC), Abakaliki, after successfully undergoing surgical repair.
The programme is organised by Wife of the Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Saturday in Abakaliki.
The VVF is an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina which could lead to urine leakage, causing significant physical and psychological distress to affected women.
Nwifuru, represented by Mr. Kelechi Mbam, a Member of her pet project, “Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO)”, said the patients have have their dignity of womanhood restored after undergoing successful surgery.
In addition, the patients will get some financial grants to make them relevant to the society.
Mrs Nwifuru added that the intervention was part of her programme to enrol pregnant mothers into the state health lnsurance scheme.
She advised them to abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six months and follow medical advice given to them for proper healing and preventing complications.
She commended the management and staff of NOFIC for their unwavering commitment to the healthcare delivery of women..
In his remarks, the Medical Director of the facility, Prof Johnson Obuna, represented by Dr Emmanuel Yakubu, appreciated Gov Francis Nwifuru and wife, the United Nations Population Fund for the continuous free treatment of fiistula patients in the south east.
Mr Godwin Nwogha and Mrs Nwakegu Igboke, the foundation team members, encouraged pregnant mothers to always register with qualified hospitals to avoid such dehumanising occurrence associated with poor surgery and obstructed labour.
Narrating their ordeal, Blessing Okemili, Clementina Nnaenwelu and Alice Kalu from Ebonyi, Imo and Abia states respectively, appreciated the government’s gesture, financial assistance and promised to obey medical advice.
