In the African settings, one of the purposes of contracting
marriage is for procreation .A union is seen as incomplete without children,
hence the endless prayers during marriage ceremonies, for the blessing of the
fruit of the womb.
The day a woman realizes that she’s pregnant would always
remain a red letter day. Then the long wait for the day the baby would make
its’ entrance into the world. Preparations are made to welcome the visitor in
grand style.
But what happens when a woman lose her baby at the point of
delivery? It is a devastation
that is better heard than experienced, a real psychological trauma.
What if the baby dies because of negligence; from the part
of the woman, the husband, health workers and the Government? Definitely, it is not forgivable. The stress women undergo
during the period of pregnancy is enough reason for all hands to be on deck, to
make sure that no woman loses her life, or that of her baby, either before,
during or after delivery.
Recent statistics on maternal mortality and morbidity
indicates that, an estimated 53,000 women and 250,000 newborn die annually from
preventable diseases. For every woman that dies, 15-30 others suffer from
disabilities (UNFPA), of which OBSTETRIC
FISTULA is one. Worldwide, 3.5
million women are reported to be living with a fistula condition. In sub-
Saharan Africa alone, between 30,000 and 130,000 of women giving birth, develop
fistula each year (UNFPA). According to World Health Organization, obstructed
labor accounts for 8% of maternal death each year. It is estimated that more
than 2million young women, live with untreated fistula in sub- Saharan Africa
and Asia.
V.V.F. is a type
of obstetric fistula, in which there is an abnormal communication (a hole)
between the urinary bladder and the vagina, characterized by incessant leakage
of urine. Simply put, a woman has no control over how she passes urine, she
leaks without control. It may be associated with R.V.F. (leakage of feces).
V.V.F. is
associated with prolonged obstructed labor. Risk factors include early
marriage, female genital mutilation, trauma, violent rape, other forms of
sexual violence, cancer, exposure to radiation and caesarian section. When
labor is prolonged and obstructed (mostly over 24 hours),the pressure of the
fetal head may injure the tissue in the birth canal; causing a hole. The woman
becomes chronically incontinent and faces humiliation and stigmatization. Most
times, women are left to their fate by husbands who divorce them. Most become dependent
on charities from individuals and agencies.
The good thing is that the condition is not life threatening
on its own, it is also PREVENTABLE, but then, V.V.F.is on the increase; fresh cases are cropping up day by day.
While the Government, health agencies and non- Governmental organizations are
claiming to be doing all they could towards surgical repair and rehabilitation
of patients, little is being heard on prevention; which will always remain the
best approach to all health maladies, V.V.F.
inclusive.
It was once a problem in the United Kingdom. A slave girl
known as Anacha was operated thirty times for this condition, but it is no
longer an issue. With better health care and provision of basic life
necessities, the first V.V.F. hospital was turned into a hotel.
I wonder when the government will develop enough will power
to legislate against early marriage and female genital mutilation. Testimonies
abound of girls that were given out in marriage as early as age seven. Those
whose husbands find it difficult to penetrate during sex (because of their
immature sexual organs) have their genitals tract mutilated; to pave way for
the husband.
Men that refuse to take their wives to the hospitals for
delivery should be made to face the wrath of the law. Girl child education
should be encouraged, to keep women enlightened and give them voice.
Politicians are elected to serve the masses, they should
justify their elections. Hospitals should be built in rural places, with
necessary equipments. Health workers should be motivated enough to stay, and
good referral system should be put in place. We really have to rise up to save
our mothers.
