USAID Momentum Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO), an international group, has successfully repaired 57 Vesico Virgina Fistula (VVF) cases initially deemed irreparable in Sokoto.

MSSFPO country representative Kabiru Atta disclosed the figure during the stakeholders’ meeting on the project sustainability and scaling up event on Thursday in Sokoto.

Mr Atta said the project implemented by Engender Health had achieved 85 per cent success in surgical and obstetric care, enhancing healthcare workers’ skills and female gentile mutilation.

He said other areas comprised VVF prevention, treatment and care for fistula patients through clinical capacity buildings. He explained that the project started in 2022 and also involves working with partners to strengthen the health system and expand access to contraceptive choices for all clients in Nigeria.

The country representative noted that Nigeria was among the countries with a high rate of VVF prevalence, which is mainly caused by prolonged labour and complications during childbirth.

He added that MSSFPO is implemented in five states of Nigeria, stressing that in Sokoto, the project covered seven local governments: Binji, Bodinga, Gada, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Tambuwal, and Sokoto North.

Stanley Ossai said the project had facilitated maternal and child health advancement.

Mr Ossai explained that the project advocated for an increase in budget allocation for fistula disease in the state, which received a positive result: N200 million was allocated to the handlers.

Asabe Balarabe, the health commissioner, reiterated the government’s commitment to partner with agencies to enhance healthcare services and better the lives of the citizenry.

Ms Balarabe assured Sokoto residents that the government would continue rehabilitating dilapidated health facilities.

Tukur Bodinga, the speaker of the Sokoto House of Assembly, said the assembly would pass a bill that would improve health service delivery to the people.

Mr Bodinga underscored the importance of sensitising people on fistula cases, unsafe surgeries, FGM, harmful practices and other poor reproductive health practices.

(NAN)