11th February, 2025
By Jethro Ibileke
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has disclosed that the country has the highest burden of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in the world.
He made the disclosure on Tuesday, at the signing of 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).
The Minister noted that Fistula is not only a medical issue as previously believed, but a social and psychological problem.
“Fistula is a challenging problem in Nigeria as the nation is the country with the highest burden of Fistula in the World. We have about 12,000 cases annually.
“Fistula is not only a medical problem, but a social and psychological problem as some people with this condition commit suicide as a result of it,” he said
Salako further disclosed that the Federal Government has started a programme of free Fistula management, adding that the government is currently providing social support, rehabilitation for close to 1,700 cases, with the hope that the number will continue to grow.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who led the Edo State delegation during the signing ceremony, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for changing the narrative of Edo State.
He added that Edo people will continue to appreciate thru president for all the development-oriented projects he has been initiating.
According to Okpebholo, 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 located in Edo and Edo people will benefit from it.
