The Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Women’s Health (BFFWH) has launched a significant initiative in collaboration with the Fistula Foundation to provide essential medical interventions for women suffering from obstetric fistula in Nigeria. Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labor, often resulting in severe social isolation and emotional trauma for affected women.
According to Ibukun Ogundare, Director of Media & Technology at BFFWH, the foundation offers comprehensive care that includes:
- Surgical Repairs
- Rehabilitation Programs
- Community Mobilization and Awareness Campaigns
- Training for Healthcare Workers
- Broader Women’s Health Programs
Project Overview
The project is set to run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with a target of performing 140 fistula repair surgeries through a combination of routine care and dedicated surgical camps located in Kaduna, Abuja, and Zamfara.
BFFWH is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the reproductive health and overall well-being of women, focusing on the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of obstetric fistula patients. Since its inception, the foundation has successfully reached hundreds of women, providing free fistula surgeries and empowering survivors to rebuild their lives.
Collaboration and Strategic Locations
The partnership with the Fistula Foundation will facilitate the delivery of surgeries across three strategic locations:
- Abuja: Gwarinpa General Hospital, Life Camp
- Kaduna: Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital
- Zamfara: Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Center, Gusau
These surgeries are part of BFFWH’s ongoing commitment to enhancing maternal healthcare and providing dignified care to women affected by obstetric fistula. The project aims to combine routine medical services with surgical camps, ensuring that women in underserved communities receive the assistance they require.
Post-Surgery Support
Beyond surgical interventions, the initiative will also offer post-surgery support, including psychological counseling and skills training to help patients reintegrate into society. This holistic approach aims to transform lives and foster economic independence among fistula survivors.
BFFWH emphasizes that eliminating fistula necessitates collective action. The foundation calls on government agencies, healthcare providers, and community leaders to collaborate in ensuring that no woman is left behind in the pursuit of health and dignity.
Through these vital efforts, BFFWH is making strides toward improving maternal health in Nigeria and empowering women affected by obstetric fistula.