Agency To tackle the backlog of nearly 400,000 obstetric fistula cases, especially at the National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo states, the Federal Government has initiated comprehensive obstetric fistula care. The programme, which is to be implemented by the National Health Insurance Authority, will include saving lives, reducing physical and financial burden on women, and ensuring health for all Nigerians. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Fistula Free Programme Steering Committee under NHIA Intervention at a ministerial launch on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of young women, primarily in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The condition, which leaves women unable to control their bladder and bowels, is caused by prolonged and obstructed labour where the baby’s head gets stuck in the birth canal, cutting off blood flow to the mother’s soft tissues and creating a hole between the bladder or rectum and the vagina. Surgery is the only cure and untreated fistula can lead to constant incontinence, kidney damage, ulcers, frequent infections and inability to have children.
Pate, therefore, said that the comprehensive programme, set to begin in June, is to provide immediate medical interventions and long-term preventive measures in the country. The minister .
