A News Analysis by Kabir Mohammed, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
Available statistics show that about 200,000 Nigerian women are suffering from Vesico Virginal Fistula, VVF.
The statistics also put the new yearly occurrence of new cases at about 12,000; and the number of annual repairs at under 5,000.
VVF is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder (or vesico) and the vagina that allows the continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault.
It is often caused by childbirth, when a prolonged labour presses the unborn child tightly against the pelvis, cutting off blood flow to the vesico-vaginal wall.
VVF could also result from violent rape, cancer operations, radiation therapy, among others.
Repairs are carried out on the patients to correct the defects.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said recently that about 1,039 VVF patients were undergoing treatment for the ailment.
Chukwu said this at the formal handing over of the Katsina VVF Centre in Babbar-ruga to the Federal Government.
There are VVF centers are in Abakaliki and Katsina, the Katsina State capital.
The Katsina VVF Centre, Babbar-ruga, was renamed National Obstetric Fistula Centre, after it was taken over by the Federal Government.
Dr Nasiru Salisu, a consultant at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Katsina stressed the need for a vigorous campaign in order to reduce the high incident of VVF in Katsina State.
He said that pregnant women living in rural areas should be educated to know what to do to avoid VVF.
“VVF is a serious problem in the world’s poorest countries, where most mothers give birth without any medical help. If the women are informed of the problem, they will cultivate the culture of visiting hospitals, before, during and after delivery. Sensitisation of rural women will go a long way to reduce the high incident of VVF not only in Katsina but across the country,’’ the consultant said.
He decried the treatment meted out to VVF patients, noting that many of them were treated as outcasts, and rejected by their families and husbands because of “unpleasant side-effects of the VVF.’’
Salisu attributed ostracism of VVF patients to ignorance, stressing that many people did not know that fistula could be repaired.
“Fistulas could be repaired, after a few weeks of recovery time, most patients can return to a healthy life,’’ the consultant said.
Fourteen-year old, Mrs. Hakama Lawal, who was on admission at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Katsina narrated how she develops VVF.
The teenager delivered her first baby at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Katsina
“I was in labour for four days; the hospital is very far from Barkiya village, Kurfi Local Government in Katsina State.
“I started labour on a Friday night and my mother-in-law did not allow me to attend a clinic; so I waited at home until Monday when it was clear that I am in trouble that was when she allowed my brother-in-law to take me to hospital.
“ After I delivered a still baby, I developed fistula, as I started urinating involuntarily. At first I thought it was normal, but after the second day the doctor explained it was a problem.”
Hakama said that her husband abandoned her, and she had to source for money for the surgery.
“There were other girls at the hospital for the same operation which gingered me up to face the doctor’s knife, the operation was successful, I am here after 21 days for follow up,’’ she added.
Another patient, Mrs. Aisha Adamu, 15, from Dankama, Kaita Local Government of Katsina State, said she was traumatised when she realised her condition.
“ My husband, friends and relatives abandoned me, by God’s grace the surgery was successful and I am normal.’’
Aisha appealed to the society not to compound the problems of VVF patients.
“ Husbands should not desert their wives as VVF could be repaired through corrective surgery,’’ she pleaded. NANFeatures
The post Reducing VVF cases via public enlightenment appeared first on Nigeria pilot.