The Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole said an estimated 150,000 women and girls are living with untreated fistula in Nigeria, with an annual incidence of 12,000 –15,000 cases.
He said the nation contributes 15% to the global burden of the obstetric fistula. It is estimated that the unmet need for the treatment of OFs could be as high as 98% in Nigeria, with less than 3,000 fistula repairs done annually.
Adewole made this known at an awareness seminar on fistula for the members of diplomatic community in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja with the theme: ‘End Fistula Together’.
He however decried the attitude of some Nigerians who stigmatised victims of fistula saying, “As an obstetrician who has practised for over three decades, I have seen the hazards of obstetric fistula. Women with this condition suffer from physical, emotional, mental and economic problems with complete loss of self-worth and dignity. The sudden transformation of their lives following the closure of the hole and a well-programmed integration process including psychological counseling, usually brings about a dramatic turn in their lives”.
