The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has empowered 50 rehabilitated survivors of Vesico vaginal fistula (VVF) in Gombe State.
The empowerment programme is being implemented in partnership between the UN agency and the Government of Norway.
Dr Bajowa Lanre, the Sexual Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA, said this during the graduation ceremony of the 50 fistula survivors, on Thursday in Gombe.
He said the UNFPA remained committed to ending obstetric fistula, describing it as an abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina.
Lanre said that one of the UNFPA’s transformative agenda was to end maternal mortality under any circumstances.
According to him, UNFPA has been providing life-transforming surgery to women suffering from obstetric fistula and severe perinatal tears in Nigeria.
“We know that in our environment, obstetric fistula is not acceptable, especially because it contribute to death of women in the cause of pregnancy.
“We strongly believe that no woman must go through that experience because it brings stigma, shame and so many debilitating impacts on survivors of obstetric fistula,” he said.
Lanre said the UNFPA with support from the Norwegian government had supported the treatment and repair of fistula amongst women in the state.
He said the empowerment of survivors of obstetric fistula and also reintegrating them back to their families and communities would help them better.
The UNFPA official urged the women to complement the efforts towards ending the menace in their communities.
Ms Asmau’u Iganus, the Gombe Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said the support would provide a means of livelihood to the survivors as well as improve their social and economic wellbeing.
Represented by Mrs Abu Hassan, the Director, Social Welfare I the ministry, Iganus reiterated the state government commitment improve the lives of the citizens.
On his part, Dr Musa Issa, the Founder and Executive Director, Fistula Foundation Nigeria, commended the UNFPA, the Government of Norway, and the state government for collaborating to bring succour to fistula patients.
Issa whose foundation was involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of the women, said the stories of the survivors’ treatment and empowerment would make them role models in their communities.
He warned the beneficiaries against diversion of the items, and urging them to ensure effective utilisation of the items to empower themselves.
On her part, Mrs Safiyanu Moses, a fistula survivor, said her journey from being a fistula patient to survivor was a miracle, adding that the intervention had given her hope of a better future.
“I was ignored because of smell but today I am fine like everyone, this is a source of joy and we will remain grateful.
“This empowerment will help us tackle unemployment and make us more useful to our society and immediate households,” she said.
She lamented the high level of stigmatisation which she said often make fistula patients hide their ailment.
“From today, I will become an ambassador to help others get treatment,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of items distributed to the beneficiaries include sewing, grinding and popcorn processing machines, as well as a token for transportation. (NAN
