The Federal Government has announced that it spent ₦513 million over the last six months to treat 1,629 women affected by obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula, as defined by the World Health Organization, is an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum, often resulting from obstructed labor, a leading cause of maternal mortality.
In 2024, the government launched a free treatment program aimed at addressing both the clinical and non-clinical needs of women living with obstetric fistula. The initiative is designed to support all affected women in Nigeria, regardless of their location.
Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), provided updates on the program at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja. He explained that the funding covered conservative care, surgeries, feeding, transportation stipends, post-care follow-ups, and enrollment into health insurance to ensure continued medical support after discharge.
Ohiri also mentioned that the program is currently operational in 18 accredited facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with plans to expand to additional health centers capable of offering the necessary care. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness to ensure more women with obstetric fistula can benefit from the program, noting partnerships with civil society organizations, traditional, and religious leaders to help spread the word.
“As awareness grows, we hope that no woman with fistula will miss out on treatment. We will continue to collaborate with civil society and community leaders to reach more people who need care,” Ohiri said.
Earlier, Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, expressed his satisfaction with the initiative’s success in reaching vulnerable women who need fistula repairs. He assured that, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directives, the government will expand access to affordable, high-quality care, particularly for the poor and vulnerable, ensuring no one is left behind.
