SELYA YARNAP, Bauchi
The National Obstetric Fistula Center in Ningi, Bauchi State, has successfully provided free surgeries to 50 women living with obstetric fistula, joining the global campaign to end the condition by 2030.
Dr. Halima Mukkadas, Chief Medical Director of the center, said the surgeries were part of a free pooled effort targeting women from the North-East and other parts of the country.
She explained that obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury, is typically caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without timely access to quality medical care, resulting in a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum.
“With this year’s theme—‘Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Fistula—Her Health, Her Right’—the National Obstetric Fistula Center, Ningi, saw it necessary to organize this pooled effort to restore hope to women suffering in silence,” Dr. Mukkadas said.
She added that the center reached out to neighboring states with high numbers of fistula patients to inform them about the campaign and encourage participation.
“This is a time when we bring in medical experts from across the country to conduct surgeries, especially for women with complex cases. It also serves as a training opportunity for our staff,” she noted.
Beyond the pooled efforts, Dr. Mukkadas revealed that the center conducts routine fistula repair surgeries every Tuesday and Thursday.
“This is part of our contribution to ending obstetric fistula by 2030. It brings me joy to see women who come in worried, depressed, and traumatized leave the center with smiles on their faces after receiving quality care,” she said.
She added that all services—from consultations and investigations to surgeries, rehabilitation, and feeding—are provided free of charge.
The center also offers maternal and reproductive health services such as family planning and cesarean sections.
Furthermore, Dr. Mukkadas disclosed that women treated at the center are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Authority’s vulnerable group program under the Health Reform initiative, granting them continued access to free services.
However, she acknowledged that the center still faces challenges in providing empowerment kits for women after they complete vocational training during rehabilitation.
One of the beneficiaries, Hauwa Musa, who had her first fistula surgery 20 years ago, received another surgery at the center and expressed her gratitude that it was provided free of charge.
Eighteen-year-old Khadija Suleiman from Wailo community in Ganjuwa Local Government Area also shared her experience.
Her ordeal began two years ago during her first delivery, which resulted in prolonged labor, the loss of her baby, and continuous urinary leakage.
“Today, I am a happy person knowing I can sit comfortably with others without worrying if they will perceive the smell of urine. I want to thank the center and the staff for their care and support,” she said.
