The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Edo State Government to establish a National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC) in Benin City.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in a ceremony attended by the Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebolo.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako commended Governor Okpebolo for providing and renovating a temporary facility for the centre’s immediate take-off.
He also lauded the state government’s allocation of 22 hectares of land for a permanent NOFIC site, which will serve as a regional hub for obstetric fistula care in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone.
Dr. Salako emphasized that the establishment of NOFIC aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations.
He highlighted the Free Fistula Management Programme (FFMP), launched in June 2024, as a major initiative by the ministry to address and treat obstetric fistula cases nationwide.
Beyond treatment, he added that the government would intensify preventive measures through Safe Motherhood Initiatives, promoting positive pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experiences to reduce the occurrence of the condition.
Describing obstetric fistula as a preventable but devastating medical condition, Dr. Salako expressed concern over Nigeria’s significant burden.
“Regrettably, Nigeria has the highest number of cases globally, with an estimated 150,000 existing cases and 12,000 new cases occurring annually,” he noted.
The centre , if establish, it would no doubt marks a significant step in tackling obstetric fistula, providing specialized care for affected women while advancing maternal health initiatives across the country.