Fibroid Care: FCTA Unveils HIFU Tech, Offers Free Treatment For First 100 Patients

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified efforts to improve women’s reproductive healthcare with the introduction of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology at Wuse District Hospital, a development health experts said could transform the management of uterine fibroids and pre-cancerous cervical conditions.

The HIFU machine, donated by Nordica Fertility Centre during the Renewed Hope Reproductive Health Week 2026, was described by stakeholders as a major milestone in expanding access to innovative, minimally invasive healthcare services for women in the FCT.

Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said uterine fibroids remain one of the most common reproductive health conditions affecting women, often resulting in excessive bleeding, pain, infertility, pregnancy complications, reduced productivity and psychological distress. According to her, many women continued to delay seeking treatment due to fear, misinformation, stigma, cost and limited awareness of available treatment options.

To encourage uptake of the service, the FCT Health Secretariat announced that the first 100 eligible beneficiaries would receive free treatment, while urging women to embrace routine screening and early diagnosis. The donation was also hailed as a remarkable example of private sector support for public healthcare, reinforcing ongoing efforts to reduce cancer-related deaths and improve access to quality reproductive health services within the FCT.

Chairman of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, said the facility remained committed to promoting sustainable healthcare innovations in Nigeria. He disclosed that although the current discourse had centred on over 650 women successfully treated with HIFU, the actual number of patients managed using the technology had exceeded 940. “We are approaching the treatment of 1,000 women and hope to share that milestone soon. Nigeria has the talent and expertise. The question is how we can continue to create systems that allow our professionals to thrive at home,” he said.

Experts presenting findings from the centre’s experience with HIFU treatment explained that uterine fibroids constitute a major public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting millions of women during their reproductive years.

They noted that HIFU utilises focused ultrasound waves converted into thermal energy to destroy targeted tissues without the need for surgical incisions or general anaesthesia.

The specialists said the procedure significantly reduces hospital stay and recovery time while preserving reproductive potential in appropriately selected patients.

According to John Bakut, Consultant Gyneacologist and HIFU expert, fibroids contribute substantially to physical discomfort, psychosocial stress and economic losses arising from reduced productivity and healthcare expenditure. He stressed that while not every fibroid case qualifies for HIFU treatment, appropriate patient selection remains critical to achieving optimal outcomes.

Stakeholders at the forum called for increased investment in innovative reproductive health technologies, healthcare worker training and public awareness campaigns to encourage early presentation and evidence-based treatment. They also urged women experiencing symptoms such as prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling and fertility challenges to seek prompt medical evaluation rather than relying on unverified remedies.

Participants agreed that stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, development partners and the private sector would be essential to expanding access to quality reproductive healthcare and reducing the burden of preventable diseases among women.

The forum formed part of activities marking the Renewed Hope Reproductive Health Week 2026, bringing together clinicians, nurses, reproductive health experts, development partners and media practitioners to explore practical solutions for improving women’s health outcomes in Nigeria.