By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
Women who successfully underwent treatment for Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) at Jahun General Hospital received financial and empowerment support as part of efforts to aid their reintegration into society.
The support was announced during a ceremony organized by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in collaboration with the Jigawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the State Ministry of Health to celebrate the recovery and discharge of the women.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza T. Abdulwahab, commended the partnership between the organizations, describing it as a vital step toward restoring the dignity, confidence, and economic independence of VVF survivors.
As part of the empowerment package, the commissioner presented each beneficiary with N10,000, a spaghetti-making machine, and a bag of flour to help them establish small-scale businesses and become self-reliant.
She also praised the women for their resilience and creativity during their stay in the hospital, noting that many of them engaged in producing local hand fans, hats, and other handmade items.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Jahun Local Government Council, Hon. Jamilu Muhammad Dan Malam, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of residents.
Represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Rabi’u Salisu, the council chairman announced a donation of N1 million to support the discharged women and pledged continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address public health challenges in the area.
Also speaking, the District Head of Aujara, Alhaji Aminu Dan Malam, congratulated the women on their recovery and urged them to continue following medical advice while prioritizing their health and well-being.
Healthcare professionals at the event emphasized the importance of early access to quality maternal healthcare services and skilled birth attendance in preventing VVF, a condition often caused by prolonged obstructed labour and childbirth complications.
Some of the beneficiaries, alongside their husbands, shared emotional testimonies about the physical, social, and psychological challenges they experienced before receiving treatment. They expressed gratitude to the Jigawa State Government, MSF France, healthcare workers, and development partners for helping restore their health, dignity, and confidence.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for increased investment in maternal healthcare, community awareness campaigns, and women’s empowerment programmes. Stakeholders reiterated their commitment to strengthening partnerships that improve healthcare outcomes and offer hope to women affected by VVF across Jigawa State
