Annually, obstetric fistula affects between 50,000 and 100,000 women worldwide and 12,000 in Nigeria. Obstetric fistula, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, is a medical disorder in which a hole forms in the birth canal of a woman as a result of prolonged childbirth.
This abnormal opening may be between the vagina and rectum, the ureter, or the bladder. Apart from maternal mortality, other complications of obstetric fistula could include uncontrollable leaking of urine, faeces, or both, depression, social isolation, medical problems, and infertility, among others.
Symptoms of an obstetric fistula include flatulence, urine or faecal incontinence, recurring vaginal or urinary tract infections, vaginal or surrounding area irritation or pain, and pain during sexual activity. However, it is important to remember that obstetric fistulas do not occur in isolation; they are mostly a result of prolonged obstructed labour, poorly done abortions, pelvic fracture, malignancy, teenage pregnancy, and surgical complications.
While obstetric fistula is preventable by ensuring appropriate use of cesarean section, avoiding harmful traditional/cultural practices, timely access to obstetric care, and avoidance of early pregnancy, among other measures, it can best be treated with surgery. According to UNFPA, the repair surgery for obstetric fistula costs approximately US$400. Fortunately, there are many medical centres across Nigeria that provide free treatment and rehabilitation services for women suffering from this condition.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at the list of centres in Nigeria offering free obstetric fistula treatment:
The National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki (NOFIC), established in 2011 by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is the first national health facility for the treatment of obstetric fistula. Currently, the centre has five major segments, with Prof. Johnson Akuma Obuna as the medical director.
The Family Life Centre is a non-government-owned facility managed by the Medical Missionaries of Mary. It offers free surgery and treatment for vesicovaginal fistula (V.V.F.). In addition to medical treatment, the center provides comprehensive care, which includes physical therapy and counseling sessions for affected women.
On March 24, 2014, the Federal Government established the National Obstetric Fistula Centre in Ningi, Bauchi State, primarily to prevent, treat, rehabilitate, and research obstetric fistula and related disorders among women in Northeast Nigeria. Every year, the centre performs no fewer than 500 to 1000 successful fistula surgeries while also providing free prenatal care and cesarean delivery to all pregnant women who have had their fistulas repaired.
The Evangel VVF Centre, a non-profit organisation, has been offering assessment and care to women afflicted with vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and rectovaginal fistula (RVF) free of charge since 1992.
This is yet another federally-owned obstetric fistula-specialized medical centre. It operates 24 hours a day and is located in Jino, Batagarawa local government area of Katsina State.
Dame Olayinka Obaleye Obstetric Fistula Centre is a unit within Wesly Guild, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ilesa, OAUTHC. The centre, in partnership with the Fistula Foundation, provides treatment for women with obstetric fistula who cannot afford to pay for the surgery. In addition to treating patients, the centre mobilises surgical candidates and participates in community outreach.
Apart from the above free repair centers for obstetric fistula, treatment for the condition can equally be accessed at relatively affordable cost at some other government and private medical facilities.
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