Twenty-five Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) survivors in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Sunday graduated from a skills acquisition programme organized by the Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Women’s Health Rehabilitation, aimed at restoring dignity and promoting self-reliance among survivors.
The programme lead, Nafisa Balarabe Abdullahi, said the beneficiaries were trained in pomade and beads making and were subsequently provided with start-up packages to enable them begin small-scale businesses.
According to her, the initiative, which was funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), also incorporated health education sessions designed to improve women’s awareness of reproductive health and wellbeing.
Nafisa Abdullahi noted that the programme addressed issues surrounding obstetric fistula, emphasizing prevention, early intervention and the importance of accessing maternal health services.
Speaking during the event, the VVF surgeon attached to the programme, Dr. Musa Birnin Tasaba, educated the survivors on preventive measures to avoid recurrence of the condition.
Dr. Tasaba also sensitized the women on maternal health and personal hygiene, citing real-life examples of avoidable incidents that often lead to obstetric fistula, particularly prolonged obstructed labour and lack of timely medical care.
He further guided the beneficiaries on available opportunities and procedures for accessing grants to support their economic independence and long-term self-reliance.
In their remarks, the survivors expressed deep gratitude to the Bashir Foundation and UNFPA for the intervention, describing the programme as life-changing after years of trauma and social stigma.
They prayed for continued success for the foundation and its partners, saying the support had given them renewed hope, dignity and a fresh start in life.