The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has donated medical equipment to support the treatment and management of Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients at the Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto State.

The equipment was presented by the UNFPA State Team Lead, Dr Rabi’atu Sageer, to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, at a ceremony on Tuesday in Sokoto.

Receiving the items, Mr Abubakar-Wurno described the intervention as another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen maternal and reproductive healthcare services.

Represented by the Director of Nursing Services, Abubakar Shehu, the commissioner said that the donation would enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality, safe and dignified care to women living with obstetric fistula.

He stated, “This equipment will strengthen maternal and reproductive healthcare and ensure that women affected by obstetric fistula have access to quality, safe and dignified care.”

The commissioner expressed appreciation to UNFPA for its continued partnership with the state government in advancing healthcare delivery, and urged the management of the hospital to ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the equipment.

“I sincerely appreciate UNFPA for its invaluable partnership and support in advancing healthcare in Sokoto State.

“I urge the management of the hospital to make effective use of this equipment and ensure proper maintenance for the benefit of our people,” he added.

In her address, the UNFPA State Team Lead, Sageer, said that the agency’s ultimate goal was to eliminate obstetric fistula in Sokoto State and the nation at large through prevention, while ensuring quality treatment for existing cases.

“Our ultimate goal in UNFPA is not to keep providing surgical equipment. Our ultimate goal is to have zero obstetric fistula in Sokoto State,” she said.

Ms Sageer described obstetric fistula as a devastating but preventable condition that reflects deeper social inequalities affecting women and girls.

“Obstetric fistula is devastating, but it is also preventable. It is a reminder of the inequality that exists in society. It speaks to lack of empowerment, minimal education and limited financial access for many women,” she noted.

Ms Sageer stressed that UNFPA views obstetric fistula not only as a health challenge but also as a social and development issue.

“It is about women who have been left behind, and we cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals if we leave anyone behind,” she added.

Ms Sageer noted that UNFPA had supported the VVF Centre in the hospital for many years through funding from development partners, including the European Union under Health Projects and the Government of Canada, among others.

She urged the hospital to maintain the equipment to ensure that more women benefit from the intervention.

“We look forward to this facility making good use of this equipment, and we encourage continued investment in its maintenance so that many more women can benefit,” she added.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Buhari Umar, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with development partners to improve healthcare delivery.

Mr Umar said the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu was focused on building synergy and aligning development interventions with the state’s priorities under its nine-point agenda.

He stated, “The focus of this administration is to ensure that synergy and convergence are established.

“We appreciate UNFPA for aligning its interventions with the needs of Sokoto state, and we look forward to stronger collaboration with other development partners.”

The permanent secretary, who said he was impressed by the level of improvement at the hospital during a recent visit, challenged the management to translate the new equipment into better health outcomes.

“The price of doing a good job is doing good. It is one thing to hold a ceremony; it is another thing to produce results from it. After this equipment, we want to see improved service delivery in this facility,” he said.

Mr Umar assured stakeholders that the state government would continue to support initiatives that improve healthcare services and deliver measurable results for the people of Sokoto State.

(NAN)