by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: Plateau State has recorded over twelve thousand (12,000) cases of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in the last twenty years across Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Plateau State Specialist Hospital, while many more cases remain unreported.
Records attest that, over 2 million women globally are living with VVF, with Nigeria accounting for a significant number of these cases.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang was at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos on Tuesday at the flag-off of the First Bank VVF free surgery and empowerment program, when he noted that, “Women have been neglected, and their plight has not received the attention it deserves from policymakers.”
He assured of his administration’s commitment and collaboration among organisations, philanthropists, and policymakers to provide surgeries, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for Vesico Vaginal Fistula patients in Nigeria.
He commended them for initiating the program, saying, “Plateau State Government wholeheartedly welcomes this noble initiative by First Bank Nigeria Limited, which is aimed to uplifting these indigent women out of their affliction.
“The bold steps taken by First Bank align with my administration’s efforts to combat VVF among our women and to provide affordable healthcare services to all citizens in the state,” Mutfwang stated.
The governor further expressed confidence that the program will not only offer free surgeries but also raise awareness and empower the victims to achieve economic self-reliance.
While assuring that, his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting this laudable initiative, he added that they will continue to champion awareness campaigns “to prevent the scourge of VVF from ravaging our women and young girls.”
He further explained that, “We have already taken deliberate measures to improve their Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Healthcare Services as part of our broader efforts to achieve universal health coverage.
“The impact of VVF extends beyond the physical health of the victim; it inflicts emotional, psychological, and social stress, leading to severe trauma and isolation,” he said.
Gov Mutfwang also commended the First Bank Nigeria Limited for extending its corporate social responsibility to the State and for its dedication to improving the lives of women and young girls affected by the condition.
While urging the victims and survivors of VVF to remain firm, resolute, and determined in overcoming their challenges, the governor was optimistic that, “VVF is not a death sentence but treatable.”
Also, the Group Executive Retail Banking Note of First Bank, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, while speaking to newsmen explained that, the program was organised as part of the activities marking CSR Week of the bank.
According to him, “The bank is providing surgical intervention for 50 patients and empowerment to 300 women, and there is the need for the victims to live a good life by engaging in commercial businesses on a sustainable basis.
“It was based on this premise that, they were given assorted food items and other empowerment materials,” he added.