The wife of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki has reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to offering free treatment to all Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) victims in the State.
Mrs. Betsy Obaseki made this assertion when she graced the official handing-over ceremony of the Ugbor Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) facility to serve as the National Obstetric Fistula Centre.
The momentous event which was held at Ugbor PHC in Benin City, the State capital on the 13th of September, 2023, marked the unfolding of a new chapter in the state’s healthcare system.
The First Lady expressed her joy at the center’s establishment and wished that this milestone in the journey towards improving maternal healthcare in Edo State would offer hope and healing to women affected by VVF.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health Edo State, Dr. Sam Alli, performed the official handover of the Ugbor PHC facility to serve as the National Obstetric Fistula Centre.
Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the Executive Secretary of Edo State Primary HealthCare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), delivered a keynote address, represented by Dr. Idemudia Osayomore, Director, Community and Family Health Services Department, shed light on the distressing nature of VVF, explaining how it results from prolonged obstructed labor, causing tissue damage and uncontrollable urine leakage. He also explained that the constant discomfort due to malodorous urine leakage leads to issues such as income loss, social isolation, and even divorce.
In closing, a vote of thanks was delivered by Professor Adeoye Ileogben, the Former CMD, Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH), and currently the CMD, National Fistula Centre, Edo State. In his remark, Professor Adeoye Ileogben expressed profound appreciation to the Edo State Government, technical partners, and everyone who played pivotal roles in bringing the center to fruition.
