A consultant obstetrician and surgeon at the Aishah Buhari Mother and Child Hospital, Eiyekonrin, Kwara State, Dr Shukura Okesina, has revealed that Nigeria records a staggering 12,000 new cases of obstetric fistula annually. This was revealed during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of the International Day to End Obstetrics Fistula, organized by the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Kwara Chapter, to sensitise the public on the danger of fistula in women.
Obstetric fistula is an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum, caused by obstructed labour. According to WHO, it is estimated that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria carrying 40% of the burden. Dr Okesina added that about 150,000 to 800,000 women are affected by fistula in Nigeria, making it a major burden for the country.
Dr Okesina observed that the day is important as it raises awareness and support for affected women and girls living with obstetrics fistula. The theme of the day was entitled “20 Years on Progress but Not Enough! Act Now to End Fistula by 2030”.
The expert noted that the risk factors include poverty, poor nutrition, lack of education, poor health-seeking behaviour, lack of antenatal care, and refusal or delay in delivery by skilled birth attendants in the hospital. The condition could be surgically corrected after trying catheter treatment for four weeks, and the woman still leaks urine uncontrollably through the vagina or faeces through the vagina. Repair is usually done three months after the injury.
Dr Okesina warned against stigmatizing people with fistula, adding that affected women are faced with socio-economic dilemmas. She called for more empathy and compassion towards affected women and advocated for preventive measures such as girl-child education, public awareness campaigns, community access to obstetric care, and legislation that addresses detrimental cultural behaviours.
