World Obstetric Fistula Day 2025:Raising Awareness,Addressing Challenges in Yobe

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu 

As the 2025 World Obstetric Fistula Day approaches, health experts in Northeast Nigeria are amplifying calls to address a preventable yet devastating condition affecting thousands of women in low-resource regions.

Dr.Aisha Adamu Buba, a gynecologist consultant at Yobe State University Teaching Hospital,urged governments and communities to prioritize awareness, prevention, and treatment to combat obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury that leaves women with lifelong physical and social burdens.  

She made the called during an interview with the Yobe State Family Planning Media Champions,a team initiated by Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Communication Development (DEVCOM),described obstetric fistula as a “heartbreaking consequence of neglected maternal healthcare."

The condition,she explained, stems from prolonged obstructed labor, surgical errors, or unsafe delivery practices, creating an abnormal opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum.This results in chronic incontinence, infections, and often severe social stigma.  

“Globally, at least 4 in 1,000 women suffer from this condition, but in Northern Nigeria, the true numbers are hidden,” Dr. Adamu emphasized.

"Many deliveries occur at home without skilled care, and women silently endure this trauma due to shame or lack of access to treatment."

Highlighting recent progress, Dr. Adamu praised free surgical campaigns at Yobe’s Mother and Child Health Hospital, where over 100 women received life-changing fistula repairs in late 2024. Supported by the U.S. government and local partners, these initiatives boast high success rates."Every healed woman reclaims her dignity," she said."But thousands more remain untreated."

 

Dr. Adamu stressed that obstetric fistula is preventable through scalable strategies such as: family planning as it  allows physical recovery and reduces risks linked to frequent births.  

She revealed,early identification of high-risk pregnancies can avert complications And skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric services are critical.  

“Antenatal care isn’t optional it’s lifesaving,” she said. “Yobe offers free maternal services, yet cultural barriers and misinformation keep women away. We must change this." 

She explained,the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), alongside government agencies, is intensifying efforts to educate communities, reduce stigma, and strengthen healthcare systems. Dr. Adamu, a MWAN member, called for expanded outreach.

"We need male allies, religious leaders, and media champions to spread the message, fistula is treatable, and no woman should suffer alone." 

Dr. Adamu urged women in Yobe to utilize free clinics, insist on facility births, and adopt postpartum contraception."Healing begins with awareness," she said."Together, we can ensure every woman has the right to safe motherhood."