Uche Alexis|18 November 2017
"For fifteen years I've been living with this condition without any hope of correction or repairs until I heard about the free VVF repair organized by the State Government. Even though my husband and I weren't very sure about it because it is free, we just trusted God and today the pain is gone and everything is history."
Another patient who has been suffering in silence for more than forty-five years finally got her groove back as the smile on her face was heartwarming.
"God bless our Governor and his dear wife for taking our shame away and putting smiles on all our faces with this kind gesture. I have been in this condition since after the civil war and today my joy knows no bounds!"
Those were the words of some of the beneficiaries of the ongoing second pool effort of free Fistula repair and reintegration program organized by the State Government and the Fistula Foundation Nigeria simultaneously at the Calabar and Ogoja General Hospitals respectively.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong assured the public that the program will be organized intermittently until women living with the condition in the State are treated. She said everything is in place to cater to the welfare of the women through out their period of stay.
Dr. Asibong also explained that the poles-apart siting of the Calabar and Ogoja repair centers was a deliberate act to ensure the seven hours Ogoja to Calabar journey is shortened as this is one of the major causes of reoccurrence.
The Medical Superintendent of the General Hospital Calabar, Dr. Etim Ayi, highlighted that the daily advancement of technology has made the procedure a lot quicker and easier whilst encouraging women living with the condition to come out, get better, get dried and feel free in their communities.
The Executive Director of Fistula Foundation Nigeria, Mallam Musa Isa, hinted that upon recovery the women will be made VVF ambassadors in their communities and they will also be engaged in some economic activities to further boost their reintegration process. While the UNFPA Cross River State Head of Office, Mr Kenneth Ewouzouh, said the program forms part of their contribution to the State for the beautiful and interesting relationship they've built over the years. He said the CRS VVF centers also welcomes patients from the neighboring States for the routine free Surgeries.
Meanwhile it was a massive turn out of patients at the VVF ward of the Ogoja General Hospital as women came out in their numbers to get treated. Reports suggests that the turnout was as a result of the success the center has recorded since it's inception.
With the engagement of social workers and aggressive awareness/sensitization campaigns to bring these women out, the State is sure on the right path to achieving a Fistula free generation in Cross River.
Uche Alexis
Writes from Calabar
