Osotimehin lays foundation of VVF Centre at Kwali

The Minister of Health, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, Tuesday laid the foundation stone of the Vesico Vagina Fistula [VVF] Centre at Kwali via Abuja with a call on all VVF patients in the country to come out for adequate treatment.

He said the ceremony, witnessed by major stakeholders in the health sector, was part of Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the disease to the barest minimum in the country, adding that the centre, when completed, would be use for the treatment, education and research on the disease.

Osotimehin pledged the continued efforts of his ministry in educating Nigerians on the need to avoid VVF and establish responsible parenthood for healthy living.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Linus Awute had explained the centre, when completed, would be the first of its kind in Africa and second in the world.
Awute, who also described maternal mortality as one of the country’s major health issue, expressed believe that the centre would go a long way in improving reproductive health and checking HIV/AIDS among Nigerians.

The United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA] Resident Representative in Nigeria, Dr Lawson Agatha, also agreed that maternal mortality was a major health issue in the country and promised that the treatment of VVF patients would be increased when the centre is completed.

According to Dr. Lawson, VVF is a disease that leaves affected women, especially the young ones, with chronic incontinence and can lead to bladder and kidney infections.
She, therefore, solicited the continued support of the government and people of the country for UNFPA in bringing succour to Nigerians on VVF and maternal mortality.
The VVF Ambassador and 2009 Miss Aso, Queen Helen Igweche in her remarks, called for the education of girl-child, illiterate husbands, religious and community leaders on the implication of early marriage or rape with no regard for the human dignity or psychological well being of women.

She described some causes of VVF in women as part of violence against women, adding that this threatened the rights, health and wellbeing of women in the country.
Queen Igweche, therefore, appealed to the government to enforce sanctions on violence against women and children in the country.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello who informed about the history of the centre and final choice of the Federal Capital Territory for the project; representatives of the Women Affairs Minister, Hajia Salamatu Suleiman; Special Adviser (MDGs) to the President, Hajia Aminat Ibrahim and others.