From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a move to address the urgent needs of women suffering from obstetric fistula, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has launched a pre-implementation needs assessment in Katsina State. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs, aims to create awareness and provide essential medical and financial support for victims of this debilitating condition.
The project which commenced on Monday with a visit by officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs to assess the specific needs of obstetric fistula patients in the region. The Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for improving women’s health and overall well-being.
During the launch, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Permanent Secretary, Maryam Keshinro, expressed gratitude to ECOWAS EGDC and other development partners for their commitment to combating obstetric fistula. “Our goal is not only to provide immediate medical assistance but also to ensure long-term solutions for these women,” she stated.
The programme aims to achieve several ambitious goals, including: Providing care for at least 60 patients suffering from vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF); Capacity building for 30 health workers and surgeons specializing in fistula treatment; Performing surgeries on 60 women identified as victims of obstetric fistula and Socio-Supporting at least 50% of treated women with subsidies and technical assistance for income-generating activities.
In addition to medical interventions, the initiative will focus on raising awareness about the causes and consequences of obstetric fistula. Advocacy efforts will seek to integrate fistula care into Nigeria’s national health development programs through appropriate legal frameworks.
A three-day workshop is underway in Katsina, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for effective implementation of the project. Key topics include educating communities about obstetric fistula, advocating for policy changes, and establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress.
Focal person for the project, Ilyasu Zubair, commended the collaboration between ECOWAS and the federal government. “This partnership is crucial for addressing this pressing public health issue,” he said.