The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Edo State Government to establish a National Obstetric Fistula Centre in Benin. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ishaq Salako, led the delegation to the Edo State Government House and highlighted that the centre will serve women in the South-South region suffering from Vesico Vaginal Fistula.
Salako emphasized that the establishment of the centre is a major milestone in combating obstetric fistula, a preventable condition with severe impacts on victims, families, and society. He praised the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo, for his cooperation in providing both a temporary location and 22 hectares of land for the permanent site of the facility.
The minister attributed the project’s progress to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has prioritized the eradication of obstetric fistula.
According to Salako, obstetric fistula remains a preventable condition with devastating effects. Nigeria has the highest global burden of the condition, with approximately 150,000 cases and 12,000 new occurrences annually.
In June 2024, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) launched the Free Fistula Management Programme (FFMP) to offer free treatment to victims and prevent new cases.
The FMOH&SW will also continue promoting Safe Motherhood Initiatives to ensure positive pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum outcomes for Nigerian women. This effort aims to prevent the development of obstetric fistula and promote safer maternal health practices.
The signing of the MoU for the National Obstetric Fistula Centre marks significant progress in achieving these objectives and addressing obstetric fistula in Nigeria. Once completed, the centre will provide comprehensive treatment and management services for the condition.
It will also function as a training hub for healthcare professionals and serve as a platform for research and advocacy efforts related to obstetric fistula.
