In a renewed effort to tackle the devastating impact of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a significant awareness and intervention program was recently held at the VVF Centre of Bingham University Teaching Hospital. The initiative brought together healthcare professionals, community members, and advocates committed to restoring hope and dignity to women affected by this condition.

VVF, a childbirth-related injury that leads to uncontrollable leakage of urine, continues to affect many women, particularly in underserved communities. Despite its physical and emotional toll, medical experts at the program emphasized that the condition is both preventable and treatable.

A Message of Hope and Support

A key highlight of the event was the strong call for compassion and community involvement. Organizers urged men, families, and society at large to stand by affected women rather than abandon them. Such abandonment, they stressed, only deepens the trauma and stigma associated with the condition, describing it as both harmful and unjust.

The outreach also served as a platform to inform the public that patients can access free medical care and comprehensive support services at the Evangel Vesico Vaginal Fistula Centre within Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos. This includes surgical repair, counseling, and reintegration support for survivors.

Breaking the Silence Around VVF

Dr Lengman of the VVF Centre at Bingham University Teaching Hospital delivered a strong and reassuring message focused on dispelling fear and stigma surrounding obstetric fistula. He emphasized that fistula is a treatable medical condition, not a life sentence, and encouraged affected women to seek care without shame or hesitation. According to him, many women delay coming forward because of fear of discrimination or misinformation, yet early presentation significantly improves treatment outcomes and chances of full recovery.

He further stressed the importance of community awareness and support systems in addressing the condition, noting that stigma often comes from a lack of understanding. Dr. Lengman called on families, community leaders, and healthcare providers to create an environment where women feel safe to speak up and access care. He also highlighted the role of the VVF Centre in providing not only surgical repair but also emotional and social rehabilitation, reinforcing the message that women living with fistula can regain their health, dignity, and place in society.

“Fistula is not a death sentence. With awareness, access to care, and community support, we can restore dignity to affected women and ultimately eliminate the condition.”

This statement resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the importance of awareness, early treatment, and collective responsibility.

Moving Forward

Hannah Degge, Assistant Professor of Health Promotion and Public Health at the University of Nottingham, emphasized during the VVF Centre engagement at Bingham University Teaching Hospital that obstetric fistula is a largely preventable condition rooted in weak maternal healthcare systems. She explained that most cases arise from prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, often due to lack of skilled birth attendants, delayed access to emergency obstetric care, and ineffective referral systems—especially in underserved and rural communities.

She further highlighted that fistula reflects deeper structural challenges, including poor healthcare infrastructure, poverty, and shortages of trained professionals, all of which increase risks during childbirth. Beyond its physical effects, she noted the severe social consequences for affected women, such as stigma, isolation, and economic hardship. Her core message was a call to action: strengthening maternal healthcare—through better antenatal services, skilled delivery care, and accessible emergency support—is essential to prevent fistula and improve women’s health outcomes.

The program underscored the urgent need for continued advocacy, education, and accessible healthcare services. By encouraging open conversations and fostering supportive environments, stakeholders hope to not only treat existing cases but also prevent new ones.

Ultimately, the VVF outreach at Bingham University Teaching Hospital serves as a reminder that healing goes beyond surgery—it involves empathy, inclusion, and sustained community effort.

One of the most captivating information is that treatment for VVF is totally Free at The Centre located at Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos with good care for those affected by the medical condition.

So VVF can never be a death sentence because hope is waiting for those that are ready to speak Out and find it.

Mr Peter who help coordinated the Session did justice to bring the 2 day sessions to a breakout sessions where Bloggers and Invited TV journalists brainstormed, did presentations on way forward and bringing solutions in creating awareness to people having such medical conditions to step out and be treated freely.