The ECWA Evangel VVF Centre has called for an immediate end to the discrimination and stigmatization of individuals suffering from obstetric fistula in Taraba State and across Nigeria.
The appeal was made during a sensitization campaign in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, as part of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) activities. This year’s theme was “Act Now to End Fistula by 2030.”
The Centre highlighted the urgent need for societal support for those affected by obstetric fistula.
Gwong Ayuba, Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Comprehensive and Inclusive Health Project at Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, delivered the message on behalf of Project Coordinator Professor Sunday Lengmang.
Lengmang emphasized the importance of combating the stigma and discrimination surrounding this treatable condition.
Lengmang pointed out the high prevalence of obstetric fistula in Nigeria’s Northeast geopolitical zone, attributing it largely to poverty.
Read also: NCS pledges collaboration with Nigeria Olympic Committee
“Poverty is often the leading cause of obstetric fistula. Many women and girls, especially in the northeast, suffer from this condition and remain untreated due to financial constraints,” he said.
Addressing this issue, Lengmang stressed the necessity of extending the Centre’s services to affected communities, stating that, “Most women with this condition cannot access care due to financial issues, hence our decision to bring the services to their doorsteps,” he added.
Recently, the Centre conducted free surgical operations for over 350 women and girls suffering from obstetric fistula in Taraba State, demonstrating its commitment to combating this condition and providing essential care to those in need.
This year’s theme, as noticed by our correspondent, was captioned “Act Now to End Fistula by 2030.”
