The establishment of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City, Edo State, marks a significant stride in addressing the pervasive health challenge of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in Nigeria. VVF, a debilitating condition often resulting from prolonged or obstructed labor, leaves women with urinary incontinence and carries profound social and psychological consequences. Nigeria bears the highest global burden of VVF, with an estimated 12,000 new cases annually. This new centre, a collaborative effort between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Edo State Government, aims to provide comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation, and social support to affected women, offering a beacon of hope and healing.
The journey towards establishing the centre was not without its challenges. Initially conceived in May 2023, the project faced significant hurdles due to a lack of cooperation from the previous Edo State administration. This period of stagnation, lasting nearly two years, hampered progress and delayed the much-needed intervention. However, with the inauguration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the project gained renewed momentum. Within a mere three months, the new administration demonstrated its commitment to healthcare by facilitating the acquisition of a temporary facility for the centre’s operations and allocating 24 hectares of land for the construction of a permanent structure. This swift action underscored the governor’s recognition of the urgency of the situation and his dedication to improving the well-being of the people of Edo State.
The Federal Government, recognizing the magnitude of the VVF crisis, launched a free fistula management program. This initiative, designed to alleviate the financial burden on affected women, provides comprehensive care, including surgical repairs, rehabilitation, and social reintegration support. To date, the program has successfully treated close to 1,700 women, demonstrating its potential to transform lives and restore dignity. The National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City will serve as a crucial hub for this program, expanding its reach and impact across the South-South region and beyond.
Governor Okpebholo expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing Edo State in development-oriented projects, recognizing the centre as a testament to the federal government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for all Nigerians. He emphasized the strategic importance of the centre’s location in Benin City, highlighting its potential to serve not only Edo State but also neighboring states in the South-South region, thereby increasing access to specialized care for a wider population of affected women.
The governor pledged the full support of the Edo State Government in ensuring the smooth operation and long-term sustainability of the centre. This commitment reflects a shared vision between the federal and state governments to address the VVF crisis comprehensively and provide affected women with the necessary resources to regain their health and reintegrate into their communities. The collaborative approach between the two levels of government signifies a unified effort to tackle this critical health challenge and improve the lives of vulnerable women across the region.
The establishment of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City represents a significant milestone in the fight against VVF in Nigeria. It signifies a renewed commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive, and free treatment to affected women, offering hope for a brighter future. The collaborative spirit between the Federal Government and the Edo State Government, coupled with the dedication of healthcare professionals and the resilience of the women themselves, promises to make significant strides in reducing the burden of VVF and empowering women to reclaim their lives. The centre stands as a symbol of hope and healing, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable future for all.
