The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has commenced two weeks free fistula surgery for 150 patients in Borno.
The surgery is in collaboration with MultiAid and Charity Initiative, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and Yakubu Gowon Foundation.
Obstetric fistula, also known as Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) is an abnormal fistulous tract
extending between the bladder and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge
of urine into the vaginal vault.
The condition, which could be due to prolonged labour, could however, be corrected through
surgery, to give the sufferers a new lease of life.
Zainab Aliyu, the Chief Nursing Officer in Charge of the Fistula Ward at the Maiduguri Specialists Hospital, said in Maiduguri on Wednesday that so far, 40 patients had registered to benefit from the exercise.
She said “the free surgery was launched on Monday and would last for two weeks.
“It is a free fistula repair and comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration campaign targeting
150 patients.”
Some of the patients lauded the development, which they described as “a big relief.
“This has brought succour to us. It is a big relief and we want to thank God and all those involved
in this programme,” one of the patients who simply identified herself as Aisha said.
