…Plans To Build Camps In Kaduna, Abuja, Other
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Hope has been rekindled for women suffering from obstetric fistula as a non governmental organization, Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Women’s Health (BFFWH), announced a partnership initiative with Fistula Foundation to provide them with critical medical interventions.
Director of Media and Technology for the Foundation, Ibukun Ogundare, in a statement, said the collaboration aims to transform the lives of 140 women through free fistula repair surgeries and comprehensive care on first-come first-served basis.
Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour, often leads to social isolation and emotional trauma for affected women.
BFFWH’s comprehensive approach includes surgical repairs, rehabilitation programmes, community mobilisation and awareness campaigns, training healthcare workers, and broader women’s health programmes.
Ogundare said the project, scheduled to run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, targets 140 fistula repair surgeries through routine care and dedicated surgical camps in Kaduna, Abuja, and Zamfara.
According to him, the partners have identified Gwarimpa General Hospital in Abuja, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in Gusau, Zamfara, as the strategic locations for these surgeries.
“Since its inception, BFFWH has provided hundreds of women with free fistula surgeries and empowerment programmes to rebuild their lives.
“Through partnerships with government agencies, international donors, and community stakeholders, BFFWH remains committed to promoting maternal health and eliminating fistula in Nigeria.
“This collaboration with Fistula Foundation will enable BFFWH to expand its reach and impact.
“Beyond surgery, the project will provide post-surgery support, including psychological counselling and skills training, to help patients reintegrate into society. BFFWH aims to transform lives and foster economic independence among fistula survivors”, the statement said.