Dr Johnson Obuna, the Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), Abakaliki, has sought for media partnership toward enlightenment on obstetric fistula disease and its causes.
Obuna made the request on Monday during an Obstetric Fistula Community Advocacy, Sensitisation and Case Identification activity for the media and journalists in Abakaliki.
The programme was organised by NOFIC Abakaliki, in collaboration with Circles and Frames Limited, Abuja.
The medical expert described fistula as an unusual opening that connects the vagina to another organ like the bladder, ureters and urethra, adding that the disease was usually associated with women and young girls.
He said the Federal Government had been working toward creating awareness to enlighten the public on the trend.
According to him, fistula can be treated through surgery and it is preventable.
“There is need for the public to know the importance of pregnant women delivering in a standard hospital that has all facilities and qualified medical experts.
“Fistula is caused by ignorance, neglect and visiting quacks or not attending conventional ante-natal sessions by professional doctors.
“Women should attend antenatal care services and give birth in hospital,” he said.
Prof. Henry Urochukwu, the Director, Training, Research and Mobilisation in NOFIC, advised women to frequently access medical care on reproductive health.
He stressed the importance of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), cervical and breast cancer screening, for early detection and treatment.
He added that “every woman who is sexually active should go for screening to detect the condition that may likely develop cervical cancer, so that it would be treated.
“Breast cancer is another common condition that needs to be checked regularly.” Urochukwu said.
Dr Emmanuel Yakubu, a Surgeon and Consultant Obstetric/Gynecologist, explained that fistula was common in the society because women do not seek quality healthcare in pregnancy and delivery.
According to Yagubu, when a caesarean section is not properly done, it result to Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).
“Our aim is to urge the media to spread the message on fistula prevention,” he said.
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