By Elizabeth Chimobi
Minister of Health, Ali Pate, has highlighted the transformative impact of the North East Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Center in Ningi, Bauchi State—a sanctuary for women suffering from obstetric fistula.
The center offers free surgeries and comprehensive care that not only save lives but also restore dignity to countless women who have endured this debilitating condition.
On his social media platform, Pate shared updates that the center has become a beacon of hope, drawing patients from across Nigeria—states like Lagos, Anambra, Borno, Yobe, Niger, and Bauchi—and even from neighbouring Cameroon.
The Ningi VVF Center’s approach goes beyond life-saving surgeries. It focuses on a holistic model of care that includes rehabilitation and reintegration, helping women reclaim their place in society.
Obstetric fistula, a severe childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labor, often leads to incontinence and social isolation.
Women with this condition frequently face stigma and marginalization, which affects their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
To break this cycle of suffering, the center provides not only medical treatment but also psychosocial support and vocational training, empowering women to regain confidence and become economically self-sufficient.
One such patient from Yobe State expressed her profound gratitude after her surgery: “For years, I suffered in silence, but today, I feel like a new person. I am grateful to the doctors and everyone involved in giving us this gift of healing.”
According to Pate, the success of the Ningi VVF Center is part of a broader effort by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The initiative also honours the legacy of the late Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya, whose advocacy was instrumental in establishing the center.
During a recent visit to the Ningi Emirate on Sunday, the Minister underscored the significance of the late Emir’s vision, which laid the foundation for a comprehensive healthcare intervention now transforming the lives of thousands of women.
Pate also praised Dr. Halima Muqaddas, the first female Medical Director of the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre, and her dedicated team for their relentless work.
He added that the collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIS) has been key to the program’s ongoing success. “Our aim is to provide fistula repairs for over 10,000 vulnerable women over time,” Pate said.
“The ongoing free surgeries are just the beginning. We are committed to rehabilitating these women, ensuring they are reintegrated into society and given the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.”
Pate’s visit to Ningi emphasized the Nigerian government’s broader commitment to improving healthcare through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative (HSRII).
The initiative, guided by a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), encourages collaboration among federal and state governments, healthcare institutions, and international organizations to address pressing health needs, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
“Our commitment is clear—we must prioritize the well-being of our people,” Pate emphasized. “Women, in particular, bear the brunt of health inequities, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have access to the care they need, not just for survival but for a dignified life.”