A renewed sense of hope is emerging for women and girls suffering from obstetric fistula in Taraba State, as a joint awareness campaign by the Evangel Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre at Bingham University Teaching Hospital and Christofel Blending Mission (CBM) gains momentum. The partnership has revealed that approximately 2,000 women and girls develop obstetric fistula every year in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing maternal health challenges in the country.
High Number of Fistula Cases in Taraba
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, held on Saturday in Jalingo, the Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the organisation, Gwong Ayuba, disclosed that Taraba State continues to record a high number of fistula cases. He attributed this largely to insecurity and prevailing social challenges that hinder access to timely medical care.
Successful Surgeries Bring Hope
Ayuba stated that the organisation has successfully conducted over 1,000 surgeries across Taraba State, bringing hope and restoration to affected women and girls. The event, themed “Her Health is Her Right,” focused on strengthening efforts toward ending obstetric fistula in Nigeria by the year 2030.
Collaboration Key to Eliminating Fistula
According to Ayuba, eliminating fistula and childbirth-related injuries requires sustained collaboration among governments, healthcare institutions, development partners, and communities. He explained that the organisation is working closely with the Taraba State Government and relevant ministries to tackle the condition through awareness creation, treatment, and community engagement initiatives. “Our target of eliminating fistula by 2030 is achievable if all stakeholders remain committed and continue to work together,” he said.
Community Engagement and Road Walk
The awareness campaign featured a road walk from Palace Roundabout to Macheline Roundabout in Jalingo, attracting participants from different segments of society, including persons with disabilities. The event aimed to draw attention to the plight of fistula survivors and mobilise support for prevention and treatment efforts.
Government and Partners Pledge Support
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nuhu Tukura, represented by Christiana Habila, commended the organisation for its commitment to addressing obstetric fistula across communities in the state. Representatives from the Hospital Services Management Board, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Education, and disability advocacy groups also pledged to intensify sensitisation campaigns aimed at preventing obstetric fistula and improving maternal healthcare services throughout Taraba State.
Understanding Obstetric Fistula
Health experts say obstetric fistula, often caused by prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, remains one of the most devastating childbirth injuries affecting women in developing countries, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The condition leads to chronic incontinence and social stigma, but with timely surgery, it is treatable.
The renewed awareness campaign in Taraba is seen as a critical step toward achieving the global goal of ending obstetric fistula by 2030, offering hope to thousands of survivors who have long suffered in silence.
