FG, ECOWAS Conduct Needs Assessment For Obstetric Fistula Patients In Katsina
By Joe Goddy, Katsina
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Gender Development Centre (EGDC), has begun a pre-implementation needs assessment aimed at supporting obstetric fistula patients in Nigeria, with Katsina State as the starting point.
This initiative seeks to raise awareness, provide medical treatment, and offer financial assistance to affected women and girls, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary for rehabilitation.
As part of the preparation for the project’s full implementation, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has taken steps to assess the needs of the beneficiaries before the official launch.
The Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Maryam Keshinro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of women and girls in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Women and Health.
She also expressed appreciation for the support of ECOWAS EGDC and other development partners working towards the eradication of obstetric fistula.
Through this program, efforts are being made to rehabilitate women suffering from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), while also ensuring that healthcare workers receive the necessary training to enhance their capacity in managing fistula cases.
The initiative will not only facilitate life-changing surgeries for affected women but will also focus on their socioeconomic reintegration by providing subsidies and technical support to help them develop income-generating activities.
The ongoing three-day workshop in Katsina is an integral part of this effort, bringing attention to the causes and consequences of obstetric fistula.
It also serves as a platform to advocate for the inclusion of fistula care in national health programs, emphasizing the need for appropriate legal frameworks to support affected individuals.
In addition to the medical aspect, the initiative places a strong focus on monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the project achieves its intended impact.
Mr. Ilyasu Omar Zubair, the focal person for the project, commended the collaboration between ECOWAS and the Federal Government, describing it as a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by women affected by obstetric fistula.
With sustained commitment and strategic intervention, this initiative aims to restore the dignity of countless women and empower them to rebuild their lives.
