VVF patients expresses happiness over free treatment in Sokoto

A cross section of women suffering from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Sokoto has expressed happiness over free surgery conducted by Fistula Foundation Nigeria (FFN) to fix the problem.

The women also urged other fistula patients across the country to come forward and access free services, as the condition can be repaired through surgery.

VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.

The entity is one among the most distressing complications of gynecologic and obstetric procedures, where a woman develops a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum after a prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely medical treatment.

The FFN, therefore, with support from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) conducted free surgery in Sokoto between May 23 and May 27, where 28 patients got relief and were currently recuperating at the Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s Hospital, Sokoto.

The surgery was funded by Global Affairs Canada, the department of the Government of Canada that manages the country’s diplomatic and consular relations and humanitarian assistance.

The FFN Director, Mr Musa Isa, stated that the repair surgery was in commemoration of the 2022 International Day to End Fistula, annually marked on May 23 around the globe to raise awareness about VVF, with a view to finding solution to it.

A 15-year-old patient, Azima Isiya from Dankurmi village in Gumi Local Government Area of Zamfara, said she spent two weeks waiting for the free surgery.

Isiya said she was married off at 13 years, and started running urine (Fistula) during her first child delivery at Bena Hospital in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi.

“I delivered after two years of marriage, as I am now 15 years; Bena Hospital charged N40,000 for my treatment, my husband paid N20,000 and my family members contributed the balance of N20,000.

“My condition was disturbing, I couldn’t control urine but now I feel relieved after the surgery, I urged other patients to come forward as no money was collected from us and we enjoyed encouraging words from the medical workers.

“When I fully stabilise, I will return to my husband’s house, interact with my relatives and engage in all social and economic activities in my village.”

Mrs Angela Azu, the Nurse in charge of the Fisula Ward at the Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s Hospital in Sokoto said that, 30 patients were initially scheduled for the free surgery but two were dropped because oone voluntarily withdraw, while one was not stable.

Azu said the team of specialised doctors, nurses and other auxiliary health workers conducted the surgeries and patients were all responding to treatment.

The nurse attributed the increase in cases of fistula to poverty and ignorance, as may families especially in rural settlements could not transport pregnant women to hospital in time during childbirth.

NAN