Following the rising cases of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and the lack of adequate centers to treat the disease, ActionAid Italy has donated the first VVF center in the Federal Capital Territory worth about N51.5million.
The Country Director of ActionAid Andrew Mamedu during the launch of the center yesterday at the Gwarinpa General Hospital, Abuja revealed that an estimated 2 million women in Nigeria living with unrepaired VVF, and between 50000 -100,000 cases are reported annually, from which only 3000 patients can access care.
He hinged the increasing cases of VVF to child marriage as Nigeria currently ranks third globally in child marriage caused by disrupted education, and increased vulnerability to violence among others.
He said despite this staggering burden, access to comprehensive VVF services remained inadequate stating that with only 18 government-approved VVF centers nationwide and none in the FCT until today, countless women have suffered in silence, their agony exacerbated by prolonged waits and inadequate care.
Mamedu said the inauguration of the 20-bed wards at Gwarinpa Medical Centre signifies not only the completion of a construction project but a tangible commitment to breaking the cycle of early marriage and VVF in the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that the Ending Child Marriage Project, a collaboration between ActionAid Nigeria and Gwarinpa General Hospital with funding from ActionAid Italy represents a beacon of hope in the battle through this initiative adding that they aim not only to provide essential healthcare services but also address the root causes of VVF by empowering women and girls to express their rights, informed choices, and shape their own destinies.
Also, the Medical Director of Gwarinpa General Hospital, Moriamo Shaibu said 80 percent patients who developed Fistula in Abuja,are referred to Jos, Bauchi, Katsina and other centres adding that there are about 19 centres and this is the 20th centre now in Nigeria and the only one in Federal Capital Territory.
She said in Abuja, there are only 2 specialised Fistula surgeons. Dr Idris Saad-with over 30 years experience; and Dr Halima Bello with over 10 years experience.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Mohammed Ali Pate who was represented by the Director/Head Reproductive Health Division of the Ministry, Lawrence Anyanwu said the milestone marks a significant step forward in providing critical care and support to women and girls affected by this debilitating condition which accounts for significant proportion of morbidity in women and girls in Nigeria.
He said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has over the years been implementing measures aimed at preventing and reducing incidences that result in obstetric fistula and where they occur, ensuring effective treatment and rehabilitation of the patients wherever they may be in the country.
He said given the rising incidences of obstetric fistula in the country, establishment and proper management of more Fistula Centres becomes highly imperative.
