Cross River Deputy Governor Commissions Vaginal Fistula Center In Calabar

By Elijah Ugani

An Ultra-Modern Vesico Vaginal Fistula, VVF, facility has been commissioned at the premises of the General Hospital, Calabar by the Deputy Governor of Cross River, Prof. Ivara Esu.

Speaking shortly after the commissioning, Professor Esu disclosed that the development is in consonance with the vision of the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade which is hinged on providing effective Health Care for Cross Riverians, and that the commissioning of the center would address problems associated with obstetrics fistula repairs.

Professor Esu said gone are the days when Cross Riverians travel long distances to access Fistula related services at exorbitant costs, explaining that the new facility which has already began operations is equipped and has highly trained and qualified doctors, surgeons, nurses as well as other paramedical professionals to oversee the repairs of all forms of VVF.

He appealed to Cross Riverians affected by VVF related cases to avail themselves of services provided there, and lauded the efforts of service providers to realize the vision of government, stressing that government will continue to provide all round support to ensure that the facility live up to the purpose for which it was established, while similar effort will be put in other aspects of health care provision to achieve holistic results.

Earlier the UNFPA Program Coordinator, Dr. Kenneth Ehougou explained that there are over 12 well established VVF centers across the country, among which the Calabar Fistula Unit is being commissioned. He averred that obstetrics fistula has become rare in the developed world since the development of standard obstetric care, adding that about 800,000 women still live with obstetrics fistula in Nigeria.

Highpoints of the commissioning was the presentation of surgical materials to the Chief Medical Director and other Fistula professionals for use by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, while the occasion featured the inspection of facilities at the fistula units by the state number two citizen.