At least 1,600 women suffering from obstetric fistula have received free surgeries under the Federal Government’s Fistula-Free Programme (FFP) managed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Dr. Saka Agboola, Head of the Standards and Quality Assurance Unit at NHIA, revealed this during an interview with reporters in Ilorin on Monday.
He explained that the initiative provides free surgeries, rehabilitation, and health insurance for women affected by obstetric fistula.
“The government saw that the number of fistula treatment centres in the country was very small. That is why we increased them to 18 centres nationwide. Through this programme, more than 1,600 women have already been treated successfully,” Agboola said.
He added that Nigeria is determined to improve the health of about 400,000 women currently living with obstetric fistula and reduce maternal and newborn deaths in the country.
Fistula is an abnormal opening that joins two body parts that should remain separate.
In the case of obstetric fistula, the opening is usually between the vagina and bladder (vesicovaginal fistula) or the vagina and rectum (rectovaginal fistula). It often happens after prolonged labour without proper medical care.
Agboola noted that developing countries carry the heaviest burden of this condition, with about 1 million cases worldwide.
He said the programme not only saves women from physical and emotional suffering but also supports them financially by covering feeding, transport, and small stipends.
