From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State has recorded over twelve thousand (12,000) cases of 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.
Over 2 million women globally are living with VVF, with Nigeria accounting for a significant number of these cases.
The Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh 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, said the women have been neglected, and their plight has not received the attention it deserves from policymakers.
While assuring of his aadministration’scommitment 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 that the Plateau state government wholeheartedly welcomes this noble initiative by First Bank Nigeria Limited, which aims to uplift these indigent women out of their affliction.
According to him, the bold steps taken by First Bank align with his administration’s efforts to combat VVF among our women and to provide affordable healthcare services to all citizens in the state.
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 and will continue to champion awareness campaigns to prevent the scourge of VVF from ravaging our women and young girls.
He further explained that they 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.
According to him, 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.
Barr.M twang further commended 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 to overcome their challenges, saying that VVF is not a death sentence but treatable.
Also, the Group Executive Retail Banking Note of First Bank, Mr Idris Ibrahim, 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 a need for the victims to live a good life by engaging in commercial businesses on a sustainable basis.
It was based on this premise, they were given assorted food items and other empowerment materials.
