Fifty-eight women who underwent successful treatment for Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in Kaduna State have completed a rehabilitation and skills acquisition programme.
The beneficiaries, who had their fistula repaired at the Yusuf Dantsoho Fistula Centre, were presented with skills and starter packs at a graduation ceremony organised by the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with development partners.
Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe said rehabilitation should go beyond surgical treatment to restore survivors’ confidence, dignity and economic independence.
Balarabe, who conveyed Governor Uba Sani’s greetings, said the administration had prioritised healthcare, particularly for women and children.
She commended the Ministry of Women Affairs, Fistula Foundation Nigeria, UNFPA, medical personnel, caregivers, trainers and counsellors for their contributions to the programme.
‘As a medical doctor myself, I understand the profound physical, emotional and social challenges women living with obstetric fistula may experience,’ Balarabe said.
She urged stakeholders to intensify awareness, promote quality maternal healthcare and encourage skilled attendance during pregnancy and childbirth.
The deputy governor also called for improved access to fistula treatment without stigma or discrimination.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said the 58 beneficiaries completed VVF repair and subsequent skills acquisition programmes across the state.
She said the beneficiaries would form a cooperative society under the ministry to promote mutual support and economic sustainability.
Executive Director of Fistula Foundation Nigeria, Mr Musa Isa, representing UNFPA, said quarterly fistula repair campaigns had enabled more than 400 women and girls to access free treatment, including surgery, medication, feeding and transportation.
He said doctors and nurses had also been trained in fistula management.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Mallam Faruk Usman said more than 300 patients had been treated at the Yusuf Dantsoho intervention centre within two years through collaboration between the Kaduna Government and Fistula Foundation Nigeria.
He urged stakeholders to identify women still suffering from the condition and facilitate their access to free treatment.
One of the beneficiaries, Rahma Ibrahim, described her experience with VVF as traumatic, saying the condition caused pain, emotional distress and social isolation.
Another beneficiary, Khadija Yusuf, said the treatment, skills training and starter support had restored her confidence and given her hope of becoming self-reliant.