The Medical Director of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC) in Ebonyi, Prof Johnson Obuna says the major cause of Vesico Vagina Fistula (VVF) is due to poor Caesarean sections.
Obuna disclosed at the discharge ceremony, empowerment and rehabilitation of 30 free repaired fistula clients in Abakaliki on Wednesday.
The surgery was organised by the Centre in partnership with the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), a pet project of the Ebonyi governor’s wife, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to the MD, about 76.6 per cent of women with fistula in the southern part of the country were due to poor cesarean section and repeated procedures.
The health expert described a fistula as an “abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.”
He said that out of 10 women who developed fistula, one died from childbirth.
He called on women to visit the centre during pregnancy for proper maternity and delivery services.
“The commonest cause of fistula in this part of the world is wrong surgeries, not prolonged obstructed labour.
“Such fistula found in this region is hard to operate, unlike what obstructed labour could cause. It is better to stop fistula than allowing it to occur,” he said.
Obuna appealed to women to prevent fistula by identifying with hospitals that had adequate manpower and to prevent maternal and child deaths.
“So, whenever a woman gets pregnant, ensure to register in hospitals that can handle you,” the medical director advised.
He, however, acknowledged that no woman who went through maternity services of the centre developed a fistula since its inception in 2020.
The director noted that the centre offered free antenatal, and caesarean sections including baby care.
He advised the patients to abstain from sexual intercourse until after six months and would receive free family planning during check-ups to prevent pregnancy for at least one year to enable them to heal.
Obuna called on the public to take advantage of the services for proper medical services and care.
The medical director disclosed that 30 women benefited from the free VVF surgeries in the state.
The Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, said that her husband, Gov Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed continuous advocacy and education to prevent obstetric fistula.
Nwifuru promised to provide access to quality maternal healthcare, early intervention, prevention of gender-based violence and community awareness which were essential to preventing VVF.
“The empowerment you receive today is not just about financial assistance or vocational training; it is about restoring your sense of self-worth and independence.
“It is about giving you the tools you need to build a future. Remember to observe strictly all post surgery instructions to ensure proper healing.
“BERWO will make available starter packs to enable them practice what they have learnt on various skills,” Nwifuru said.
Mrs Chinwe Okah, who doubled as representative of the UNFPA and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, commended the partners for their support and Mrs Nwifuru who keyed in for the programme.
Okah said that the UNFPA had assured its continuous commitment to support the project in the state.
She stated that the state government had been committed to carrying out its beats on budget planning.
“The repair is free from UNFPA and the state government in collaboration with BERWO,” Okah said.
A Patient from Anambra state, Mrs Gladys Nwachi, said she lived for 18 years with the medical condition.
“I spent long day and nights crying over this condition. All surgeries from different hospital was not successful until I came to NOFIC.
“I am free and happy to return back to my family healthy again. I appreciate UNFPA, the professional medical team and Mrs Nwifuru for coming to our aid,” Nwachi said.
Another beneficiary from Enugu state, Mrs Aniete Ifeanyichukwu said she had an accident that led to VVF.
Another Beneficiary, Mrs Clementina Mbeemachi from Ebonyi said she had suffered the condition since 2014.
“I had this complication and on the process, I lost my baby because I was pregnant as at that time and I had failed surgeries, until I came to NOFIC where the repair was successful and free,” she said.
The event featured a cash gift of N60,000 to each repaired patient by Mrs Nwifuru.
NAN
