The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has established a new centre in Calabar, the Cross River capital, to repair cases of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in the state.
Vesico-vaginal fistula is regarded as a hole that develops between the vagina and the bladder, resulting in uncontrollable leaking of urine through the vagina. The most common cause of vesico-vaginal fistula is obstructed labor, early marriage, poverty, and women’s limited control over the use of family resources. It is known as serious disability that can be experienced by women after childbirth.
More than two million women in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, and Latin America and the Caribbean are estimated to be living with fistula, and some 50,000 to 100,000 new cases develop annually.
As part of efforts to stem the tide in Nigeria, UNFPA and the Cross River State Government have taken the campaign deeper into the South-South region of Nigeria where little attention had hitherto been paid to the ailment.
The new Centre is located at the General Hospital, Calabar and is resourced with relevant clinical equipment and facilities, including a team of surgeon and nurses trained by UNFPA.
Deputy Governor of the State, Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu, commissioned the Centre on Tuesday with the immediate take off of repairs for 15 young women and girls sponsored by UNFPA.
He assured government would borrow from the efforts of UNFPA to provide additional support and expand the Centre to be able to cater for a larger number of patients.
UNFPA used the occasion of the commissioning to prevent surgical materials to boost operations at the Centre.
A visibly excited Deputy Governor stressed how the Centre would bring fresh hope to patients and launch them back into society.
His words: “We have always thought that VVF, as it is fondly called, was just prevalent in Northern Nigeria where you have very underage girls given out in marriage leading to problems when they have children through a system that it is not quite ready to receive children. However, it seems to be creeping down South. Some of our communities are also indulging in giving out girls who are under aged in marriage, or giving out.
“In other words, we are happy that this ailment which brings a lot of stigma”, because of the obvious effect that it has effect, finally has a solution at our door step.
