Fistula: Journalists orientation programme begins in Kano

Sixteen Journalists from across the country are converging on Kano to be intimated about issues surrounding the prevention and treatment of Fistula among women in Nigeria.

The training themed: "Prevention and Treatment of Fistula" is organised by the Fistula Care Plus Project with participants from Kano, Kwara, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Cross River States as well as Federal Capital Territory.

In his opening remarks, a Gynaecologist and Country Project Manager, Fistula Care Plus Project, Doctor Habib Sadauki called on Journalists to use their expertise to educate the public about prevention and treatment of the scourge of fistula. Doctor Sadauki who disclosed that twelve thousand new cases of fistula is recorded in Nigeria every year said massive awareness is needed to reduce the alarming rate of fistula in the 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.

Doctor Sadauki encouraged pregnant women to take adequate precautions to avoid childbirth related complications such as fistula.

A Clinical Associate, Fistula Care Plus Project, Doctor Suleiman Zakariya said the World Health Organisatio (WHO) had identified fistula as the single most devastating consequence of obstructed labour to a mother in sub-saharan Africa.

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 Consultant, Mr. Anselm Okolo tasked Journalists to acquit themselves with issues surrounding prevention and treatment of fistula in order to properly communicate to the public.

Mr. Okolo advised Journalists to always observe the principles and elements of newswriting in their reportage with a view to disseminating accurate, balanced and objective information to the public.