In a renewed effort to tackle obstetric fistula and improve the lives of affected women, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Gender Development Centre (EGDC), has embarked on a crucial pre-implementation needs assessment in Katsina State. 

This initiative sets the stage for a broader intervention aimed at providing medical treatment, financial support, and social reintegration for fistula patients across the country.

The project, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes women’s health and overall well-being. 

Speaking through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the devastating impact of obstetric fistula, a condition that affects thousands of women, particularly in rural areas.

According to the ministry, the initiative will not only facilitate surgical treatment for at least 60 women and girls suffering from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) but will also provide essential rehabilitation and reintegration support. At least 30 healthcare professionals specializing in fistula surgery and treatment will receive capacity-building training, ensuring the sustainability of the program beyond the initial phase.

Beyond medical intervention, the program also seeks to empower survivors by integrating them into the socio-economic fabric of their communities. At least 50% of the women treated will receive financial subsidies and technical support to develop income-generating activities, helping them regain independence and dignity.

The three-day workshop in Katsina serves as the foundation for this ambitious initiative, focusing on awareness creation, advocacy, and strategic planning. Discussions are centered on the causes and consequences of obstetric fistula, policy integration into Nigeria’s national health framework, and the establishment of legal mechanisms to support affected women.

Mr. Ilyasu Omar Zubair, the project’s focal person, commended ECOWAS and the Nigerian government for their collaborative approach, stressing the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation.

With this initiative, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward eliminating obstetric fistula, offering renewed hope to women who have long suffered in silence.