Free VVF surgery by the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN): a progress report

Abstract

Background: Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) which is an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina often occur following prolonged obstructed labour. A common feature is the continuous leakage of urine. Forth percent of the over 2 million women globally suffering from VVF are in Nigeria and are mostly Muslim women of low socio-economic status from northern Nigeria.

Methodology/Results: The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) in collaboration with the Wife of the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar Sani Bello, the JAIZ Charity and Development Foundation and Engender Health (Fistula Care) held a Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Repair camps in July 2016 as part of the pre-conference activities of the IMAN- FIMA International conference which held in Abuja. Four other camps were held in the Maryam Abacha VVF Hospital in Sokoto, Sokoto State in December 2016, February, May and November 2017. A total of six million naira (N6,000,000.00) was donated and used to run the camps. The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) fed the patients and their relatives during the period of the surgery and the post-operative hospital stay. A total of 117 patients from Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Zamfara and Kogi States were operated. Both Muslim and non- Muslim women benefitted from the surgeries. Of these patients operated upon, 87 were dry; giving a cure rate of 74.4%.

Conclusion: The Islamic Medical Association and the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations carried out these camps to contribute their own quota to alleviating the suffering of the women who have VVF. This effort will continue as the association will look for more funding to help these less privileged members of our society.