EDITOR IN CHIEF.
The Jigawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) France and the Jigawa State Ministry of Health, organized a ceremonial event to mark the final discharge of women who successfully completed treatment for Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) at Jahun General Hospital.
The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, development partners, beneficiaries, and members of the community to celebrate the recovery and reintegration of the women into society after receiving specialized medical care and rehabilitation services in Jahun General hospital.
Representing the Chairman of Jahun Local Government, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Rabi’u Salisu, conveyed the chairman’s goodwill message and reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to support in the healthcare initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of residents.
As part of the local government’s support, Hon. Salisu announced a donation of One Million Naira as directed by the Chairman to assist the discharged women. He further pledged continued collaboration in addressing public health challenges affecting communities.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza T. Abdulwahab, commended the efforts of MSF France, the Ministry of Health, healthcare workers, and all stakeholders involved in the successful treatment and rehabilitation of the women.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of restoring the dignity, health, and economic independence of VVF survivors.
To support the discharged patients in establishing means of livelihood, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab presented each beneficiary with a package of Ten Thousand Naira, a spaghetti-making machine, and one sack of flour toward starting the business for their own survival.
She explained that the initiative was designed to encourage self-reliance and improve household income generation.
Hadiza also praised the women for their patience, resilience, and determination throughout the treatment process.
According to her, many of the patients demonstrated creativity and productivity during their stay at the hospital by engaging in the production of local hand fans, hats, and other handmade items.
In his remarks, the District Head of Aujara, Alhaji Aminu Dan Malam, congratulated the women on their successful recovery and encouraged them to adhere strictly to medical advice provided by healthcare professionals.
The traditional ruler further urged the beneficiaries to prioritize their health and take preventive measures that would reduce the risk factors associated with obstetric fistula and other maternal health complications.
Healthcare experts at the event highlighted the importance of early access to quality maternal healthcare services, skilled birth attendance, and timely medical intervention in preventing VVF, a condition that can result from prolonged obstructed labour and other childbirth-related complications.
Numbers of beneficiaries and their husbands shared emotional testimonies about the physical, social, and psychological challenges they experienced before receiving treatment.
They expressed gratitude to the Jigawa State Government, MSF France, healthcare workers, and all the supporting partners for restoring their health and confidence.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for sustained investment in maternal health services, community awareness, and women’s empowerment programmes.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships that improve healthcare outcomes and provide hope for women affected by VVF across Jigawa State.
Cov/Hassan Turaki.
