The Economic Community of West African States Gender Development Centre has taken a significant step in combating fistula disorder by granting $1.96 million to eight member nations. This move aims to address the significant health challenges posed by this condition, which has a profound impact on women across the region.
Fistula disorder, characterized by abnormal connections between organs, often arises as a result of trauma or surgical complications. In 2021, Nigeria alone accounted for 40% of reported fistula cases worldwide, creating an urgent need for intervention and support. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Nigeria experiences approximately 13,000 new cases of fistula annually, with up to 400,000 women awaiting corrective surgical procedures.
This substantial financial support has been distributed among Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, and Liberia, with each country receiving $245,000. The recent presentation of these funds during the 91st Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the impact of fistula across the region.
During the session, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, highlighted the necessity of scrutinizing the community’s budget for the 2024 fiscal year. He emphasized that the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and revenue generation have been adversely affected by prevailing economic challenges, including currency depreciation, escalating food costs, and inflation. Tuggar stressed the need to enhance prudence and optimize resource allocation in response to these economic hardships.
Moreover, ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, underscored the vital importance of adequate funding for ECOWAS to effectively address the multifaceted issues confronting the region. Notably, Touray expressed concern over some member states failing to remit levies, emphasizing the critical role of sufficient funding in enabling ECOWAS to tackle the prevailing challenges.
This significant financial support, combined with the commitment of regional leaders to address broader economic challenges, underscores the collective determination to combat the pervasive impact of fistula disorder and strengthen the overall resilience of West African nations.
