Northern Nigeria maintains lead in VVF cases - Gov. Ganduje
It accounts for about 75 percent of the 400,000 - 800,000 cases in the country .
The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that northern Nigeria, has the highest Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in the country, accounting for about 75 percent cases out of 400,000- 800,000 women in the country .
Gov.Ganduje disclosed this on Thursdayat the Obstetric Fistula repair and empowerment program for women with VVF in Kano state sponsored by First Bank PLC at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano.
He said here are between 12,000 - 20,000 new cases occurring every year with 90 percent remaining untreated. There are an estimated two million cases globally.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor at the occasion, the state commissioner of women affairs and social development, Dr.Zahra'u Muhammad Umar, disclosed that obstetric fistula is associated with psychological, social and economic challenges. Some of the challenges include stigmatization, discrimination, abandonment and neglect
"That is why there is need for rehabilitation and reintegration based on patients need and that is why there is need for philanthropists, well-to-do individuals, NGOs and corporate organisations to join hands with government to support the affected patients."
The Executive Director of First Bank Plc, Public Sector, Mr.Abdullahi Ibrahim, said the bank,, as part of its Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort, decided to collaborate with Kano state ministry of health, to support 50 VVF patients with VVF repair and provide economic empowerment as a component of rehabilitation and reintegration.
