By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO: Hajiya Hadiza Tore, Medical Director of Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, has unequivocally affirmed that robust family planning services and the presence of skilled birth attendants are critical weapons in the battle to prevent obstetric fistula through timely, professional maternal care.

Addressing stakeholders via Dr. Muhammad Gada, a renowned fistula surgeon, during International Day for Obstetric Fistula activities in Sokoto State, Tore spotlighted the hospital’s extraordinary achievements in fistula treatment, boasting an exceptional success rate of 95-98 percent . This year alone, over 500 fistula repair surgeries have been successfully conducted.

Tore underscored the devastating impact of socioeconomic vulnerabilities in rural communities, which exacerbate the prevalence of obstetric fistula among disadvantaged women. She attributed the hospital’s success to unwavering support from the Sokoto State government and strategic partnerships with key organizations.

Highlighting collaborations with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Development Communication Networks (DEVCOM), Tore praised their pivotal role in delivering comprehensive family planning services that empower individuals and couples to make informed reproductive health decisions.

She stressed that family planning is indispensable in curbing the incidence of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), often caused by prolonged, obstructed labor linked to unplanned pregnancies and inadequate obstetric care. Integrating family planning into holistic reproductive health programs can drastically reduce VVF cases.

Tore commended TCI and DEVCOM for their instrumental contributions toward decreasing VVF in Sokoto, emphasizing that multi sectoral partnerships are essential in confronting reproductive health crises.

She emphasized that the majority of fistula cases are either preventable or treatable, and the transformative effects of repair surgeries restore dignity and hope to afflicted women.

Marking World Obstetric Fistula Day on May 23, Tore highlighted the urgent need to raise awareness of the severe suffering endured by young girls and women subjected to prolonged or obstructed labor, often culminating in fistula.

Calling for heightened government, community, and stakeholder commitment, she stressed the necessity of expanding access to quality healthcare services especially in underserved rural areas to tackle fistula challenges head-on.

“The public must be reminded that these women deserve our unwavering attention, compassion, and support across all sectors,” Tore affirmed.

Acknowledging economic hardships and security concerns confronting fistula patients, she assured that the hospital provides free treatment, nutritional support, and vocational training to empower recovery and reintegration.

She advocated for reinforced healthcare infrastructure, universal girl child education, and proactive legislative policies as fundamental strategies to eradicate fistula.

Addressing misconceptions, Tore clarified that obstetric fistula is curable and non-contagious, urging communities to replace stigma with acceptance and support for survivors.