Agency
To tackle the backlog of nearly 400,000 obstetric fistula cases, especially at the National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo states, the Federal Government has initiated comprehensive obstetric fistula care.
The programme, which is to be implemented by the National Health Insurance Authority, will include saving lives, reducing physical and financial burden on women, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Fistula Free Programme Steering Committee under NHIA Intervention at a ministerial launch on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of young women, primarily in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The condition, which leaves women unable to control their bladder and bowels, is caused by prolonged and obstructed labour where the baby’s head gets stuck in the birth canal, cutting off blood flow to the mother’s soft tissues and creating a hole between the bladder or rectum and the vagina.
Surgery is the only cure and untreated fistula can lead to constant incontinence, kidney damage, ulcers, frequent infections and inability to have children.
Pate, therefore, said that the comprehensive programme, set to begin in June, is to provide immediate medical interventions and long-term preventive measures in the country.
The minister added that the programme is focused on preventing fistula by ensuring mothers receive proper nourishment, are supervised by skilled professionals during delivery, and have access to emergency specialist care to avoid complications.
He noted that the initiative underscored the importance of community and societal involvement.
The minister said, “Empowering and educating girls to ensure they are ready for motherhood is a key aspect of the programme, requiring the support of community and political leaders and civil society.”
He explained that the key components of the programme include reducing the cost of access to treatment, surgical interventions, education, counselling and transportation of patients.
The initiative, Pate added, also highlights the dedication of health workers and the importance of training programmes for surgical skills.
“This issue has been present for a very long time, but we are finally taking significant steps to address it.
“The success of the initiative relies on the commitment of healthcare professionals and community support.
“With the right political backing and sustained efforts, this initiative aims to break the cycle of fistula and ultimately eliminate the problem in the country,” he stressed.
The minister noted that addressing the challenge would help the country to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal three, which entails ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
In his presentation, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the needs of women suffering from fistula.
He also stressed the importance of financial access and systemic support for vulnerable populations.
Ohiri, who doubles as the president of the committee, also highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the Nigerian health sector’s strategic blueprint, particularly focusing on the intersection of poverty and vulnerability among women with obstetric fistula.
He described fistula survivors as “typically young, malnourished and from impoverished households, making them prime candidates for targeted intervention.
“The chronic nature of their condition is not due to its medical complexity but because they cannot afford treatment.
“The NHIA Fistula Free Programme aims to enhance financial access and care for these women.”
He explained that a phased approach will start with the National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Edo, to later expand to other hospitals capable of providing care to women living with the condition.
“The programme covers various aspects of treatment, from conservative management and surgical intervention to transportation, mental health counselling, and family planning.
“Moreover, beneficiaries will be enrolled in a social health insurance programme to ensure sustainable outcomes,” he added.
According to him, around two million women live with unrepaired obstetric fistula globally, with Nigeria accounting for about 7.5 per cent of the number.
He praised the commitment of medical directors at the National Obstetric Fistula Centres and highlighted the collaborative efforts with state social health insurance agencies and private health insurance partners to manage and monitor the programme.
Ohiri also stressed the importance of data management, monitoring and evaluation to ensure high-quality care for beneficiaries of the programme.
He reaffirmed NHIA’s commitment to provide efficient services, ensuring that vulnerable women received the care they deserved without compromise.
The Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi, Bauchi State, Dr Halima Mukaddas, said that fistula, a severe childbirth injury, has affected many women due to inadequate access to high-level medical services in the country.
While commending the minister, she said that the success of the programme would offer women a path to healing, and a dream of becoming useful to society.
She said the consequences of obstetric fistula extend beyond the physical, with many women facing shame, isolation, social rejection and even accusations of witchcraft or promiscuity.
Mukaddas said that the tragedy deepens as many grieve the loss of their babies while dealing with constant leakage, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into their communities.
The Managing Director, United HealthCare, Dr Kolawole Owoka, explained that the NHIA fistula-free programme is poised to make a substantial impact on maternal health in the country, offering hope and support to countless women across the nation.
He underscored the critical issue of affordability and access to care for women suffering from childbirth-related complications, particularly obstetric fistula.
NAN reports that the membership of the steering committee includes representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, the Director-General of NHIA; the Managing Director of National Obstetric Fistula Centres, Bauchi, the Managing Director, United Healthcare Limited, and a Third-Party Administrator.
Other members include the President, Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Nigeria; Chair, the Forum of Executive Secretaries; the State Social Health Insurance, – CEO, EngenderHealth (Civil Society Organisations – CSO, Representative of Development Partners and Director, Informal Sector (Secretary).
Their responsibilities include providing strategic guidance and direction for the intervention, reviewing intervention progress making recommendations for improvement, and ensuring adherence to programme goals and desired outcomes.
(NAN)
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