Date: 2017-12-15

The Chief Medical Director, Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Doctor Musa Sanni has called for training of more surgeons in handling fistula repairs to reduce backlog of fistula cases in Nigeria.

Dr Sanni also called for a strong political will to put resources into the elimination of fistula rather than relying on donor driven project alone.

The Chief Medical Director made the calls in his office while speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the ongoing free fistula repairs sponsored by EngenderHealth, implementer of USAID Fistula Care Plus Project.

Dr Sanni urged Surgeons to develop interest in the field of fistula repairs to ensure that trained Fistula Surgeons handle the repairs as well as reduce the backlog in the country. He advised government at all levels to put in adequate funds for the prevention and treatment of fistula cases.

"There is the need for political will to put funds into the fight against fistula instead of relying on donors driven alone. We must take ownership of the project after these people must have left".

Dr Sanni noted the hospital had conducted two pooled efforts this year with impressive turn out of fistula clients while many routine repairs had taken place in the outgoing year in the hospital.

He added that the hospital had dedicated a thirty bed ward to fistula clients while its theatre is well equipped to handle fistula repairs.

Dr Sanni also commended the EngenderHealth for committing resources to the reduction of fistula cases in Nigeria.