A Consultant Gynecologist at Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSTUTH), Dr Aisha Buba has called for improved access to antenatal care and family planning services.
She emphasised that these were key strategies to prevent obstetric fistula, particularly in low-resource settings like Nigeria.
Buba made the appeal on Friday in Damaturu during a media briefing to mark the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, observed annually on May 23.
She described obstetric fistula as a devastating childbirth injury that occurred when an abnormal opening formed between the birth canal and urinary tract, typically due to prolonged or obstructed labour.
“Where a woman passes urine is different from the birth canal, but during complicated deliveries or surgical interventions, an abnormal connection can develop between the two passages.
“This results in continuous leakage of urine, which is not normal.
“The condition most often arises from prolonged labour, especially in cases where women give birth without skilled attendants or in under-equipped facilities.
She added that while obstetric fistula could also occur during cesarean sections or instrument-assisted deliveries, the leading cause remained obstructed labour.
Buba lauded the U.S. government for consistently supporting fistula repair surgeries, which had restored dignity to hundreds of affected women.
“Many women have undergone successful operations here. Our facility has benefited from repeated U.S.-sponsored fistula repair campaigns.
“In each outreach, no fewer than 100 women are treated, and the recovery rate is very encouraging,” she said.
She emphasised that family planning played a crucial role in preventing maternal complications, including obstetric fistula.
“Contraception helps prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduces maternal risks. Antenatal care is equally important as it allows early identification and management of women at risk of prolonged or obstructed labour,” Buba noted.
She urged pregnant women to take advantage of antenatal services and deliver in health facilities where skilled healthcare providers could monitor and manage them appropriately.
Buba also appealed to stakeholders and development partners to intensify public awareness efforts and support maternal healthcare services in order to eliminate obstetric fistula in Nigeria.
NAN
