By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has officially commissioned a 203-bed capacity Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and Paediatric Stabilization Centre at the General Hospital, Deba in a major boost to healthcare delivery in the state.
The facility, established through a strategic partnership between the state government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Taimaka Project, is designed to provide life-saving treatment to women suffering from obstetric fistula and critically ill, malnourished children.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manasseh Daniel Jatau, emphasized that the administration prioritizes healthcare from the grassroots level.
He stressed that the facility serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to humanity, transcending local boundaries.
Addressing the long-standing stigma surrounding VVF, the Governor firmly rejected superstitious beliefs that link the condition to witchcraft or spiritual afflictions.
“VVF has no relevance to the devil or witchcraft; it is a pure reproductive ailment,” Dr. Jatau stated.
“We must debunk these myths. I encourage all those suffering from this condition to avail themselves of the treatment now available at this facility. It is a project of humanity, and we are optimistic that it will revive the hope of victims and survivors.”
The Deputy Governor further advised that medical treatment should be complemented by psychological support to ensure survivors regain their confidence and reintegrate fully into society.
He urged the local community to take full ownership of the facility, emphasizing the necessity of a maintenance culture to ensure its long-term viability.
“If we want these services to continue, we must take responsibility. We must do all we can to own this facility, maintain it, and train our children to work here,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Malam Ibrahim Jalo Ali, noted that the center would significantly revive the health and economic prosperity of women suffering from obstetric fistula.
He added that the paediatric stabilization component is vital to reducing preventable child mortality by providing urgent care for severely malnourished children.
Speaking on the urgency of the intervention, the UNFPA representative highlighted the staggering statistics of the condition in Nigeria.
“Approximately 400,000 to 800,000 women are suffering from Obstetric Fistula nationwide, with 12,000 to 20,000 new cases occurring every year,” he noted.
“By establishing centers like this, Gombe State is making a monumental impact. No woman in Gombe should be left to suffer in silence and isolation due to a preventable and treatable birth-related injury.”
The UNFPA’s support for the initiative included facility upgrades, the training of three doctors and six nurses, and the provision of essential surgical equipment and medical consumables.
The Director of the Taimaka Project revealed that the center currently boasts seven full-time doctors and over 50 nurses, with plans to expand its capacity to 250 beds.
He noted that the organization has already treated more than 25,000 children since its inception, with similar centers already operational in Dukku and Bajoga.
The event also featured a call to action from the Chairman of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, Alhaji Yunusa Yakubu, who urged parents to discourage early marriage, which he termed as leading cause of obstetric fistula.
Dr. Garba Bua, the Taimaka Project Desk Officer, highlighting the transformative power of the center, citing the success story of an elderly woman who had spent 50 years suffering from the condition due to misinformation before finally receiving successful surgery.
The emotional reality of the project was echoed by Safiya Moses Ishaya, a VVF survivor, who shared her journey of recovery.
“I want to encourage other women suffering from VVF not to hide,” she said. “Come out to this facility and seek treatment, which is provided free of charge. This project has truly given us back our lives.”