An NGO, ‘Fistula Foundation Nigeria,’ in collaboration with ‘UN Population Fund,’ has conducted free repair surgeries on 40 Vesicovaginal Fistula patients in Sokoto State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports the 5-day exercise was supported by Global Affairs Canada, in Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto, which is also a VVF treatment center.
NAN also reports that VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.
The condition is among the most distressing complications of gynecologic and obstetric procedures.
The common causes of VVF are obstructed labour, early marriage, poverty, and women’s limited control over the use of family resources.
The condition can cause a lot of discomforts, and if left untreated, it may cause serious bacterial infections.
This may result in sepsis, a dangerous condition that can lead to low blood pressure, organ damage, or even death.
However, the condition can be reversed and repaired through surgery.
The FFN Director, Mr. Musa Isa, told NAN in Sokoto on Saturday that the repair surgeries were carried out by a team of specialized doctors.
”The team that included auxiliary workers, had so far performed the surgeries on 40 patients, which he described as successful.
”The lined up patients screened would be considered in the next full effort or routine surgery being conducted in the hospital, ” Isa said.
He explained that 73 patients had been screened during the present exercise and urged fistula patients from any part of the country to access the centre for treatment.
Isa said that a patient from the Niger Republic and three from Lagos State were among the patients who benefited from the free surgeries.
He explained, ”VVF is treatable, and women living with the condition should not be scared or ashamed, as it can be reversed.”
He thanked the government and the people of Canada for making it possible to have VVF treatment in the country.
This was through Global Affairs Canada, the department of the Government of Canada that manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations and humanitarian assistance.
The director also thanked UNFPA Nigeria for the support, as well as the Sokoto and Federal Governments for their respective support toward ensuring the success of the exercise.
Some patients who benefited from the free surgeries expressed joy for the opportunity and thanked the sponsors of the free surgeries.
They were also elated over the gesture and hoped to return to their various communities after fully recuperating.
(NAN)
