The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Monday flagged off a five day free Vesico Vaginal Fistula Repair program (VVF) targeted at women awaiting Obstetric Fistula surgery in the State and beyond, with the aim to ensure that they have access to a normal reproductive health after delivery.
The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, at the event which was held at Jericho Nursing Home, Ibadan, assured the public that the Oyo State Government under his administration would not rest on its oars in its bid to promote policies and programmes that would address the health challenges confronting the citizenry.
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 , also said that the program would contribute greatly to the economic development of women and families in the State, as the state of maternal and child care remains an important yardstick in measuring the performance of the 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 applauded the efforts of the Federal Government and other partners in providing aid to women suffering from Vesico Vaginal Fistula and their continued support to the cause of maternal and child survival in Oyo state.