Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has called for enhanced dedication and collaboration among organizations, philanthropists, and policymakers to deliver surgeries, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in Nigeria.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that Vesico Vaginal Fistula is a medical condition that refers to an abnormal connection or hole between the bladder (vesico) and the vagina (vaginal). This connection allows urine to flow from the bladder into the vagina, causing urinary incontinence, pain, and other complications. It is often a result of: childbirth injuries, surgical complications, radiation therapy, cancer and trauma
Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the First Bank VVF free surgery and empowerment program at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos, Plateau State capital, the governor highlighted that women suffering from VVF have often been overlooked, with their challenges receiving insufficient attention from policymakers.
He emphasized that this underscores why the Plateau State government wholeheartedly supports the commendable initiative by First Bank Nigeria Limited, which seeks to assist these underprivileged women in overcoming their difficulties.
Furthermore, he noted that the proactive measures undertaken by First Bank are in direct alignment with his administration’s mission to combat VVF among women and to offer affordable healthcare services to all citizens in the state.
Muftwang voiced optimism that the program would not only facilitate free surgeries but also promote awareness and empower victims to attain economic independence
He stated . “Our administration remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting this laudable initiative. We will continue to champion awareness campaigns to prevent the scourge of VVF from ravaging our women and young girls. We have already taken deliberate measures to improve our 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.”
“Globally, over 2 million women live with VVF, with Nigeria accounting for a significant number of these cases. Here in Plateau State, we have recorded over twelve thousand (12,000) cases in the last twenty years across Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Plateau Specialist Teaching Hospital. Regrettably, many more cases remain unreported.”
The governor praised First Bank Nigeria Limited for its commitment to corporate social responsibility in Plateau State, working to improve the lives of women and girls affected by this condition. He encouraged VVF victims and survivors to remain resilient and determined, reiterating that VVF is treatable and not a death sentence.
Speaking to newsmen, the Group Executive Retail Banking of First Bank, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, noted that the program was part of the bank’s CSR week activities and confirmed that the initiative would provide surgical intervention for 50 patients and empowerment support for 300 women.
He emphasized the importance of enabling victims to lead fulfilling lives by engaging in sustainable commercial enterprises, stating that they were provided with assorted food items and other empowerment resources based on this principle.
