1 week ago
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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
With about 12,000 cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) recorded annually in the country, Nigeria is said to have the highest number of cases of the disease in the world.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ishaq Salako, disclosed this in Benin, Edo State, when he led a delegation to the Edo State Government House yesterday to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the take-off of a National Obstetrics Fistula Centre in Benin City. The centre is expected to treat cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).
“Fistula is a challenging problem in Nigeria, as the nation has the highest burden of fistula in the world. We have about 12,000 cases annually.
“Fistula is not only a medical problem but also a social and psychological problem, as some people with this condition commit suicide as a result of it.
“The Federal Government has started a programme of free fistula management, as the government provides social support and rehabilitation. Today, close to 1,700 cases have been freely supported, and we hope it will continue to grow,” the Minister said.
He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commendation to the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, hailing his visionary leadership for reviving and promoting healthcare services in Edo State.
President Tinubu said Governor Okpebholo is ensuring that Edo people get the best healthcare services in the state.
Governor Monday Okpebholo led the Edo State delegation during the signing ceremony.
Dr. Salako stated that in May 2023, just before President Tinubu assumed office, the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre was established in Benin City.
He said the centre did not enjoy the needed cooperation with the then government of Edo State, led by Godwin Obaseki.
“We struggled from May 2023 till November 2024 before you became the Governor of Edo State, but in about three months, we have achieved what we could not achieve in about 24 months.
“All thanks to your administration. We appreciate you for your support, as we have been able to get a temporary centre to start operations in Benin City.
“His Excellency has also given us 24 hectares of land for the permanent centre. You have demonstrated that you are a political son of the President, who is prioritising healthcare at the federal level, while you are also prioritising healthcare in Edo State.”
Governor Okpebholo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for changing the narrative of Edo State, saying the people will continue to appreciate him for all the development-oriented projects he has been initiating.
He stressed that health is very important to Edo people and that the centre will serve not only the state but the zone and other neighbouring states.
“The CMD of the centre has been struggling for the past two years. This centre belongs to the South-South but is located in Edo, and Edo people will benefit from it.
“I have no excuse but to support the take-off of the centre. The hospital will commence soon, as the Edo State Government will support the centre, and we thank the Federal Government for choosing Edo State,” the governor said.
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