– To serve South-South region
By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Edo State Government to establish a National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC) in Benin, the state capital.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday between the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebolo.
According to a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, the new centre will serve as a specialized medical facility for the South-South geopolitical zone, addressing obstetric fistula cases and improving maternal health outcomes.
During the signing ceremony, Dr. Salako commended Governor Okpebolo for his administration’s support, particularly in providing and renovating a temporary facility for the centre’s immediate takeoff. He also acknowledged the allocation of 22 hectares of land for the centre’s permanent site, underscoring the state’s commitment to tackling maternal health challenges.
The Minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to universal health coverage, emphasizing that the establishment of NOFIC aligns with the government’s goal of providing accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, especially vulnerable populations.
Dr. Salako reiterated the Federal Ministry of Health’s dedication to combating obstetric fistula through initiatives like the Free Fistula Management Programme (FFMP), launched in June 2024. In addition to treatment, he highlighted the Ministry’s focus on prevention through Safe Motherhood Initiatives, which promote positive pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experiences.
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Describing obstetric fistula as a preventable but devastating medical condition, the Minister stressed its severe consequences for affected women, their families, and society at large.
“Regrettably, Nigeria bears the highest global burden of obstetric fistula, with an estimated 150,000 existing cases and 12,000 new cases occurring annually,” he stated.
The new NOFIC in Benin is expected to play a critical role in reducing these numbers by providing specialized care, rehabilitation, and preventive services for women across the region.
