By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
Over fifty survivors of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) in Gombe have received training and essential equipment following their surgeries, through the generous support of the Norwegian government in collaboration with UNFPA and the Fistula Foundation.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the survivors, Dr. Garba Muhammad Buwa, VVF Desk Officer at the Gombe State Specialist Hospital, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Norwegian government and UNFPA for sponsoring the surgeries, facilitated by the Fistula Foundation.
He also lauded Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and the hospital management for creating an enabling environment to successfully carry out the surgeries.
Dr. Buwa reiterated the governor’s openness to partnerships in the health sector, saying, “Governor Yahaya has made it clear that anyone willing to contribute to healthcare improvement will be welcomed with open arms.”
He commended the Fistula Foundation for extending their support beyond surgeries by providing vocational training to the survivors. He noted that the women were equipped with the tools and skills necessary to support themselves upon returning home.
Calling for more partners to join in, Dr. Buwa revealed that 80 per cent of the beneficiaries are Gombe State indigenes, with the remaining few coming from neighboring states.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Iganus, praised the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the tools given to them, advising against selling the items, as they would significantly assist in their day-to-day activities.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Women Farmers Association, Mrs. Irudia Mamman, encouraged the women to fully utilize the skills they had gained to improve their livelihoods.
Some of the beneficiaries, such as Zainab Kabiru from Gombe and Hauwa Abdullahi from Biu Local Government in Borno State, shared their personal stories. They spoke about how they had endured the condition for over a year but are now relieved after their surgeries.
The survivors were provided with equipment such as sewing machines, grinding machines, popcorn machines, and some received two goats to help them start small businesses with twenty five thousand naira each as transport fare.
