USAID says Nigeria accounts for 40 per cent fistula cases worldwide

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has said Nigeria alone accounts for 40 per cent of fistula cases with 13,000 new cases annually.

And there are currently as many as 400,000 women languishing on waiting lists for corrective surgery.

A press release emanated from the United States Embassy in Abuja stated that USAID has launched a supported health activity that will prevent and repair complications from obstetric fistula which is a debilitating condition arising during pregnancy and childbirth endured by countless Nigerian women.

The USAID/Nigeria Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics activity is a part of the global USAID MOMENTUM project which will reduce maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity by supporting institutions and local organizations to introduce, scale up, and sustain evidence-based prevention and surgical management of obstetric fistula and female genital mutilation, mitigating the adverse effects and complications of these conditions.

According to U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said at the launch of the activity. “Fistula is both preventable and treatable, and by working in partnership with government agencies, we can do both.”

“Obstetric fistula occurs when complications during delivery result in a hole between the mother’s birth canal and either the bladder or rectum usually exacerbated by a lack of quality medical treatment.”

“Nigeria accounts for 40 per cent of fistula cases worldwide. The country reports 13,000 new cases of fistula per year, and as many as 400,000 women languish on waiting lists for corrective surgery.”

Leonard noted that the $10 million activity builds on the gains of the previous USAID funded fistula interventions in Nigeria, which conducted over 18,400 fistula surgical repairs and about 800 non-surgical repairs in 14 fistula centres in 13 states.

Leonard also pointed out that under the activity, partners trained more than 50 surgeons in fistula repair, 2,700 other healthcare workers in fistula prevention and treatment.

“Over the next five years, USAID Implementing Partner EngenderHealth will lead a coalition of local and university-based international partners and professional organisations to implement the activity in Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Sokoto States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. This is a call to action. All hands must be on deck.”

“This new U.S. assistance will help Nigeria’s health care providers identify, manage, and prevent obstetric fistula, female genital mutilation, and other forms of gender-based violence in a complementary manner.”

On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Dame Pauline Tallen said: “So many women are in so much pain. The need is tremendous.”

“This robust program will reach more women who are suffering and empower survivors with hope and the joy of living again.”

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