A Fistula Surgeon, Dr Sa’ad Idris has called for holistic maternity care beyond free Cesarian Section (CS) to women in the country to tackle cases of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).
He made the call in an interview in Sokoto on Thursday, on the sideline of a week-long free VVF
surgery being conducted by Fistula Foundation Nigeria (FFN), an NGO, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), supported by the government of Norway.
VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.
It is an uncomfortable and potentially distressing condition.
However, it is a preventable and treatable condition through surgery.
Idris, former Commissioner for Health in Zamfara, said that the surgery is being conducted at different hospitals due to the financial gains.
He, however, said that 80 per cent of women currently living with fistula are due to poor Cesarean
Section and repeated surgical procedures.
He added that “I commended that Federal Government should provide free CS to women who need it at various levels in the country.
“However, I am calling for the expansion of the system to encompass free comprehensive maternity healthcare to reduce mortality rate.
“This is because we are bit scared in fistula circle, as CS shouldn’t be considered free in total, it should be conducted by specialised trained persons.
“Not every CS is successful, some encounter complications, recording deaths or end-up with fistula.
“Many persons engaged to conduct the procedure, at times, may mishandle patients that require specialised care.”
He underscored the importance of conducting safe CS, adding that “cases of fistula resulting from poor CS is alarming.”
Idris explained that complete maternal health services should be strengthened; from promoting decision making by families, transportation of patients, enhancing road networks and electricity in health facilities, renumeration of health workers and consumables.
The consultant, who is as also an International Fistula Surgeon Trainer, highlighted that more had been achieved in fistula surgery in the country, as some patients are now being operated by indigenous doctors.
He further explained that age, early marriage, and religious and cultural beliefs are not the reasons for fistula when considering the percentage of patients in the southern part of the country.
“Strengthened antenatal care, improved health services and childbirth attended by trained personnel is the answer, ” he said.
He commended the efforts of FFN, UNFPA Nigeria, the Norwegian government and other donors in training fistula surgeons and other auxiliary workers, pooled and routine efforts, as well as other empowerment supports to patients across the nation.
Idris enjoined medical doctors to cultivate interest in fistula care, stressing that the dearth of manpower had impacted fistula services.
The Executive Director of FFN, Dr Musa Isa, said 50 patients were targeted for the surgery in Sokoto, which started on Dec. 2 and patients from different parts of the country arrived for the free exercise.
He said that a team of experts had commenced the exercise, and commended UNFPA Nigeria, the government of Norway, and the Sokoto State Government for collaborating to bring succour to fistula patients.
He noted that the foundation was involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of women living with the condition, adding that the stories of survivors’ treatment and empowerment would make them role models in their communities.
He appealed to women to prevent fistula by identifying hospitals that have adequate manpower and to prevent maternal and child deaths.
The director also urged women leaking urine to register in hospitals for treatment as VVF is treatable.
A 40-year-old patient, Fatima Muhammad from Dange Shuni in Sokoto State, expressed appreciation for the free treatment.
She said “I received VVF treatment for fifth time in the hospital as I got VVF from my first childbirth.
“I was divorced by my first husband after the first child, then after the VVF surgery, I remarried and delivered twice to my present husband, and urine leaking resurfaced.
“I spend my days and nights crying over this condition. However, I am happy to return to my family to start my beans cake business again.”
NAN
