A’isha El-Rufai: VVF is a human rights tragedy

The Kaduna state government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have been commended for collaborating to rehabilitate and empower 100 Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients.

A’isha el-Rufai, wife of the Kaduna state governor, applauded the collaboration at the graduation ceremony for the patients held at Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, on Friday.

She described the continued recurrence of obstetric fistula as “a human rights tragedy”, reflecting the marginalisation of those affected.

“Their isolation means they often go unnoticed by policy makers, and as a result, little action is taken to address or prevent their condition,” she said.

The governor’s wife said that the patients would be reintegrated into their families and the society through their newly acquired skills and tools for economic empowerment.

“The gesture is a testimony to the consistent commitment of the state government toward ensuring improved health outcomes for its citizenry.”

She said that, “Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic injuries that can occur during child birth.”

“It is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely access to emergency obstetric care, notably a cesarean section.”

“It leaves women leaking urine, faeces or both and over time, it leads to chronic medical problems,” she said.

Paul Dogo, the state’s commissioner for health, said there was the need for community and village leaders, clerics, health workers and the media to create more awareness on the causes and how to prevent VVF.

Dogo, represented by Lawal Abubakar, a director in the ministry, described VVF as “a serious condition” that sadly crippled the future of young prospective women in Nigeria, with Northern States bearing the greatest burden.

“Many girls between the ages 11 years and 15 years, who become mothers mostly because they were married-out early suffer some forms of deprivation,” Abubakar said.

“Such girls deny access to emergency obstetric care, are often victims of VVF.”

“Estimates in Nigeria reveal that between 400, 000 and 800,000 women are currently living with the scourge of VVF with about 20,000 new cases being recorded annually,”

The 100 rehabilitated women were provided with tools and machines to start-off businesses to become self-reliant after undergoing a series of training during their stay in the hospital.