The training which was organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Fistula Care Plus and Engender Health in collaboration with the Kwara State Government drew participants from Kwara, Oyo, Kogi, Lagos, Kebbi, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Cross River States.
In his address, a Gynaecologist and Country Project Manager, USAID Fistula Care Plus-Engender Health Programme, Doctor Habib Sadauki called on Journalists to educate pregnant women on the need to take adequate precautions to avoid childbirth related complication such as fistula.
Doctor Sadauki enjoined Journalists to educate the public about Fistula and encourage policy makers to mobilise resources on maternal issues with a view to ensuring a healthy country.
According to him, media practitioners have special role in informing the communities about issues relating to Fistula if maternal-mortality rate must be reduced in Nigeria.
He emphasised the need for parents to adhere to good nutritional habit for their children as a precursor to preparing female children for pregnancy and other childbirth challenges.
Doctor Sadauki explained that already twelve Fistula centres had been established in eleven states of the federation, including Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin with the support of USAID, calling on those who were down with the condition to access free full fistula repair in order to get integrated into the society.
A Clinical Associate, Fistula Care Plus, Doctor Suleiman Zakariya encouraged women to take advantage of the government free maternal health services for women and children below five years.
He advocated proper child spacing to ensure healthy family and reduce maternal and mortality rate in Nigeria.
Doctor Zakariya who described Fistula as abnormal hole in the vagina which leads to leaking of urine advised pregnant women to patronise skilled birth attendants during pregnancy to reduce the chance of developing fistula.
In his lecture, a Media Practitioner, Mr. Anselm Okolo tasked Journalists to engage relevant Experts while embarking on reports or discussion on health related issues to ensure accurate and detailed reportage.
Mr. Okolo stressed the need for Journalists to equip themselves about facts, myths and misconceptions surrounding Obstetric fistula in order to get more women informed about fistula and encourage pregnant women to patronise health facilities during pregnancy.
Correspondent, Abdulrosheed Okiki who was among the participants reports that fifteen Journalists from across the country participated in the training.
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