The Intermediation Foundation, a non-governmental organisation established in 2015, hosted a fundraising event in Abuja to support its ongoing efforts in the treatment and rehabilitation of women living with Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF).
The foundation, renowned for its holistic approach, provides life-changing medical treatments, counselling, rehabilitation, and skills acquisition programmes for women affected by the condition.
Operating from a temporary facility that accommodates only 10 patients monthly, the foundation faces an overwhelming demand for its services, given the alarming number of women requiring VVF repairs in Nigeria. Despite partnering with other healthcare centres as funds permit, Intermediation Foundation’s resources are stretched thin, making this fundraising event a crucial step towards expanding its reach and impact.
In his keynote address, Dr. Saad Idris, a specialized VVF surgeon, emphasised the transformative impact of VVF treatment. He highlighted the importance of rehabilitation programmes, including social and financial empowerment, which enable women to reintegrate into society with dignity. Dr. Idris revealed that over 140,000 women in Nigeria are awaiting VVF repairs, while only 5,000 procedures are performed annually due to a shortage of trained personnel and facilities. He stressed the need for training medical professionals both locally and internationally to address this gap.
The Head of Nursing at Gwarinpa General Hospital, Habiba Saliu, shared her experience working with VVF patients, many of whom face stigma and abandonment by their spouses due to the condition. She applauded the foundation’s efforts in equipping these women with vocational skills, urging beneficiaries to utilize their training to rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
Dr. Anthonia Mbaeri shed light on the psychological and social challenges faced by women with VVF, emphasizing the trauma associated with the condition. With an estimated 12,000 new cases reported yearly, she called for increased support to help the foundation tackle the backlog of untreated cases. Dr. Mbaeri reiterated the foundation’s commitment to restoring the dignity of affected women through comprehensive treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to contribute to the foundation’s mission, with a strong appeal for donations to support its ongoing work. The fundraising efforts aim to enhance the foundation’s capacity to treat more women, train additional medical personnel, and sustain its empowerment programmes.
