Dr Emmanuel Filibus, Fistula Surgeon and Head of Clinical Services, Maiduguri Specialists Hospital, said a total of 242 fistula patients were treated and attended to at the hospital from July 2018 to March 2021.
He made this known on Tuesday in Maiduguri at the formal inauguration of the 40-bed ultra-modern fistula theatre centre at the hospital, established by the UN Population Fund ( UNFPA), with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The fistula, also known as Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence which usually occurs during childbirth. However, it can be repaired through surgery.
Filibus, who is also the Coordinator of the centre, lauded UNFPA and KOICA for the intervention, noting that the fistula theatre had facilitated services in the hospital.
He said, “We really thank UNFPA and KOICA for providing us with everything we need for our operations.“Anytime we have campaigns, they provide us with drugs, surgical materials and everything we need.”
He urged women living with fistula to come to the centre and register to get treated, adding that “everything here at the fistula centre is free.”
