Gombe: Foundation rehabilitates 312 VVF survivors, trains 100 community advocates
Gombe: Foundation rehabilitates 312 VVF survivors, trains 100 community advocates
The Fistula Foundation says it has repaired 312 Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) cases in the last three years in Gombe State.
The group also trained 100 VVF survivors as community advocates, to enhance campaign against the scourge.
Dr Musa Isa, Director of the Fistula Foundation, said this during the commemoration of the 2025 World Fistula Day, on Friday in Gombe.
The theme of the event is: “End Fistula Now; Restoring Dignity and Empowering Women.”
He said the advocates had been exposed to skills of their choice, and tasked to identify women living with VVF from remote communities for appropriate medical intervention.
“Some women we brought in had undergone failed surgeries countless times and living in silence, ashamed of their condition.
“Many had been divorced due to stigma. But through these trained advocates, they are now being referred to hospitals for successful repairs,” he said.
According to Isa, the foundation is scaking up intervention in five identified local government areas with the highest prevalence of VVF.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, highlighted government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health in the state.
He said obstetric fistula, while preventable, remained prevalent in many developing countries.
“When this administration came in 2019, maternal mortality was high, with fistula as a major contributor.
“Today, with improved antenatal care, surgical interventions and support from partners like the fistula foundation, we are making remarkable progress,” he said.
He commended the gynaecologist in charge of the Gombe Fistula Centre for making a difference in the lives of the affected women.
Also, Dr Faruk Usman, Desk Officer for Fistula, Federal Ministry of Health, said that Nigeria accounted for 40 per cent of the global burden of obstetric fistula.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reduce the figure, in line with the global goal of eradicating the condition by 2030.
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“Fistula is not just a health issue, it is a matter of human rights and social justice. We must continue to strengthen health systems, to ensure every woman has a safe and dignified childbirth experience,” he said.
On his part, Olarenwaju Bajuwa, UNFPA Coordinator in Gombe State, also commended the growing confidence among women who previously suffered in silence.
He lauded the state government for creating an enabling environment for development partners to reach underserved populations.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Miss Asama’u Iganus, encouraged the trained survivors to identify other affected women towards facilitating access to treatment.
Some of the survivors, expressed gratitude to the foundation, for giving them a renewed sense of purpose and dignity.
