By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Fistula Foundation Nigeria, in collaboration with the Gombe State Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has successfully treated, rehabilitated, and empowered 68 Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in Gombe. These women had suffered from uncontrollable urine leakages, primarily due to prolonged labour.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the State Specialist Hospital, Gombe, the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Ɗahiru, noted that the survivors, who had previously felt traumatized and lost hope for a better life, were successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, courtesy of the Fistula Foundation Nigeria.
Dr. Ɗahiru strongly advised the survivors to exercise caution before remarrying or resuming marital relations.
“If you get back to marriage earlier and get pregnant without full recovery, there are tendencies that you may end up with similar complications you earlier went through. Ensure a medical professional has examined you and can testify that you are fully healed and ready for another pregnancy,” he advised.
The Commissioner further emphasized the need for survivors to seek specialized attention to sustain their repairs during future pregnancies.
“When you get pregnant again, you must attend a special antenatal clinic, and you must identify yourself as an ex-VVF patient, because your antenatal care will be different, the mode of delivery will be different, and this shall ensure that you do not suffer another VVF. That can only be possible when you attend antenatal care, where you are being guided through special antenatal care and special delivery.”
He extended his appreciation to the Gombe State Governor, the UNFPA, and community leaders for their support in making the process a success.
Earlier, the Founder of the Fistula Foundation, Dr. Musa Isa (Baba Musa), urged the VVF survivors to strictly adhere to the professional health advice given by the specialists, noting that “when you fully obey the laid down conditions, you would get rid of this complication any more.”
He cautioned them against selling the provided start-up packages and advised them on sustainable business strategies for success.
Baba Musa also encouraged the repaired women to seek professional counseling before rejoining the marriage corridors.
“We don’t say you shouldn’t go back to your husbands, we encourage reconciliation, but when doing that, ensure to come along with the husband for professional guidance and counseling to ensure you do not go back to square one.”
In their respective goodwill messages, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Jumbo Henry, the Executive Secretary Gombe State Hospital Services Management Board, Dr. Bello Abdulƙadir, and Dr. Garba, all appreciated the commitment of the Fistula Foundation, the Gombe State Government, and the UNFPA to the health and well-being of the less privileged, particularly in addressing maternal and reproductive health issues.
They encouraged the VVF survivors to properly utilize the equipment and facilities they were trained and empowered with to sustain their livelihood and positively contribute to the development of their communities.
Yahanasu Yunusa and Aishatu Umar, speaking on behalf of the survivors, expressed gratitude to the Fistula Foundation, Gombe State Government, and the UNFPA for sponsoring their free treatment and empowering them for self-reliance.
While committing to sticking to medical advisories for total healing, the survivors assured that they would put the resources and facilities to judicious use.
The 68 VVF survivors received free treatment vocational training, and empowerment start-up packages, including sewing machines, popcorn machines, grinding machines, and goats, to promote self-reliance and livelihood sustainability.