Oyo State Governor , Engr. Seyi Makinde , on Monday flagged off a five day free Vesico Vaginal Fistula Repair program ( VVF) aimed at ensuring obstetric fistula patients awaiting surgery in the state and the country enjoy normal life after reproduction.
The Governor , who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, at the event which held at Jericho Nursing Home, Ibadan , said his administration would not relent in promoting policies and programmes that would address health challenges confronting all and sundry.
According to the governor “the free VVF program, supported by Federal Ministry of Health, Fistula Foundation of Nigeria , United Nation Population Fund ( UNEPA) and Global Affairs Canada, is a continuation of the delivery of qualitative healthcare to the people of the state and neighbouring States.
Gorvernor Makinde , who maintained that the program would contribute immensely to economic development of women and families in the State, said the state of maternal and child care remained a determinant in assessing the performance of health sector of any nation.
“Vesico Vaginal Fistula is a devastating injury that is common in Nigeria at the ages of 11 to 15 years, it is common due to early marriage, prolong obstructed labour and delivery outside the hospital, while stigmatization , divorce and social exclusion are the common social effects.
“The commitment of our adminstration to improve the health status of women and children in the State led to the establishment of ‘TOMOTIYA’, a program designed to reduce the maternal and child morbidity, and mortality in the State.”
He hailed the federal government and other partners for coming to the aid of women suffering from the disease and their commitment to the course of maternal and child survival in the State.
