TheCable

The ministry of women affairs has inaugurated a vesico vaginal fistula (VVF) treatment centre at the Gwarimpa General Hospital in Abuja.

VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina which results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.

The most common cause of VVF is obstructed labour which can lead to maternal mortality and morbidity.

Many women in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region where child marriage is prevalent, have had their lives disrupted due to fistula.

In a post on Saturday, Uju Kennedy, minister of women affairs, said she was happy to inaugurate the facility which was donated by ActionAid Nigeria.

Kennedy said the centre would create excess to comprehensive information and treatment for fistula victims.

“This is a landmark achievement which also aligns with the ending child marriage Project spearheaded by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with federal ministry of women affairs which will enhance access to comprehensive Vesico Vaginal Fistula information and services within the FCT,” Kennedy wrote.

“For us in the ministry, concrete steps have been initiated with the federal ministry of health and ECOWAS to address the menace of VVF, especially among our girls who do not only suffer medical challenges but psycho-social consequences such as stigmatization, loneliness, loss of self-esteem and other vices as a result of VVF.

“We are putting structures in place through robust sensitization of patients and the general public on preventive measures while the health ministry has already developed self-care guidelines for patients to effectively manage their situation while undergoing medical treatment.

“As a critical stakeholder towards advancing women’s rights, welfare and gender equality, this infrastructure commissioned today will no doubt, provide a pathway to further raise awareness and foster positive change among Nigeria Women and children in our collective efforts to address the scourge of VVF.”