Dr Bawa Maryam Shehu of National Obstetric Fistula Center Ningi, Bauchi State, said the centre, last year, treated over 200 suffering from fistula.
During an event yesterday in Bauchi to mark this year’s International Day of Fistula, Dr. Shehu said the cause of the ailment is due to prolonged labour [at home] that exceeds more than three days and the absence of skilled birth attendants.
The event, WikkiTimes gathered, the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and the National Obstetric Fistula Center Ningi (NOFICN). It was also supported by USAID Engender Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Dr. Shehu disclosed that the centre admitted 300 fistula patients last year, adding 296 were successfully repaired and have since recuperated and joined their families.
She said an estimated two million people in Africa mostly women are affected with Obstetric Fistula every year.
According to the health expert, 500 persons in Nigeria are also diagnosed annually with the scourge.
The doctor further said that aside the prolonged and unattended labour, other causes of fistula are genital mutilation and non attendance of antenatal care at health facility.
The doctor who noted that research has shown that Fistula is not only restricted to first pregnancies alone, said all pregnant women irrespective of whether it is a first delivery or not, are prone to Obstetric Fistula if skilled birth attendants do not attend to them at the time of delivery.
She also advised that at least women should attain 18 years of age before considering conceiving.
Dr. Maryam further said that Bauchi is lucky because of the Fistula center that is situated in the state, stressing that “on the average, we do carry our about 10 fistula repairs on patients free of charge and in most cases, such repairs are successful.
