VVF Program

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VVF Program

OBSTETRIC FISTULA

Obstetric fistula is a debilitating condition which occurs as a result of complications from prolonged and obstructed labour. This causes an injury to the bladder and when the tissues breakdown, an abnormal opening is created between the bladder and the vagina or the rectum or both. As result, urine or feces leaks from the vagina. The commonest type is the Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) which is an abnormal opening that connects the vagina and the bladder. When the opening is between the bladder and the rectum, it is called Rectovaginal fistula (RVF). Women lose control of their urine leading to constant leakage of urine or feces through the vagina. The biggest tragedy with this condition is that in majority of cases, the babies are not alive.

Women with VVF are ostracized from their communities as a result of the constant stench of urine surrounding them and many lose their matrimonial homes and in most cases are stigmatized and depressed. This is the most dehumanizing situation that could happen to anyone because even close family and relatives are not receptive of them.

In Nigeria, it is estimated that about 800,000 women are currently living with obstetric fistula and approximately 12,000 new cases occur per year. Several factors are responsible for the high incidence of VVF in Nigeria:

  • Poor access to emergency obstetric care
  • Poverty
  • Early marriage and teenage pregnancy
  • Harmful traditional practices.

A typical VVF patient is an indigent woman who is illiterate, lives in a rural area with little or no means to earn a livelihood.

Supervised pregnancy with routine antenatal care and having a skilled birth attendant at the time of delivery are key to preventing complications like Fistula.

 

OUR INTERVENTION

Raise foundation is committed to improving maternal health and preventing maternal morbidities and mortalities. We work with victims of Obstetric fistula to provide free treatment for them as well as provide rehabilitation so that they can reintegrate back into their communities. We work in collaboration with other NGOs and government bodies to provide these services for victims.

In collaboration with the Mainstream Foundation, we have a newly constructed Obstetric fistula centre in Kontagora, Niger State which has the facilities for surgeries and after care for the patients. As well as a skills acquisition centre. Patients are accommodated for a period of 3 months and empowered with livelihood skills before being discharged to allow for social re-integration back into their communities and having a form of financial independence through acquired skills.