The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the government of Bauchi state has trained 70 obstetric fistula survivors in Bauchi state on various skills and donated equipment to them.
UNFPA media and communication specialist Kori Abba Habib said the 70 obstetric fistula survivors who had received vocational and trade skills training were given sets of kits including sewing machines, grinding machines and hair salon equipment.
According to him, the gesture was aimed at empowering the survivors economically, reducing their hardship and restoring their dignity.
“The repairs of these women and girls were coordinated by the Fistula Foundation, an implementing partner of the United Nations Population Fund in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development.
“UNFPA’s approach to increasing access to quality fistula care in Bauchi state involves the provision of essential medical equipment, fistula repair kits, furniture and consumables to the National Obstetric Fistula Treatment Centre in Ningi and the General Hospital in Gamawa,” he said.
Also speaking, the executive director of Fistula Foundation, Musa Isa, disclosed that they had trained victims of the disease in 16 local governments of Bauchi state.
In her remarks, the wife of the Bauchi state governor, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, who hosted the event, cautioned the general public on stigmatising the patients, stressing that “they need to be shown love and concern.”
