Day: May 10, 2024

Obstetric fistula, a global affliction disproportionately affecting women in low-resource countries, continues to devastate lives.

According to experts, obstetric fistula, is an abnormal opening between a woman’s genital tract and her urinary tract or rectum.

Primarily striking young, impoverished women lacking adequate medical care, the condition manifests in urinary or faecal incontinence, leading to social isolation and rejection.

The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

While surgical intervention offers hope, research on outcomes remain limited, underscoring the imperative for preventive measures.

For over two decades, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has spearheaded the Global Campaign to End Fistula, operating in 55 countries with a holistic approach encompassing prevention, treatment, survivor reintegration, and advocacy.

Grounded in human rights principles, this initiative strive
s for equality, participation, and accountability.

According to the National Institutes of Health, in sub-regional analysis, West Africa had the highest successful surgical closure rate for obstetric fistula, with 91.74 per cent of the global total, while Central Africa recorded the lowest rate at 84.04 per cent.

Also, the successful surgical closure rate of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) with unknown urinary incontinence status varied widely across African countries, ranging from 63 per cent in Eretria to 100 per cent in Liberia and Nigeria.

The pooled estimated rate of successful closure of VVF with unknown incontinence status from 55 articles is 86.31 per cent.

In spite of the progress, achieving the 2030 goal of eliminating fistula requires intensified efforts.

In Tanzania, obstetric fistula remains a poignant reality, with approximately 3,000 cases annually.

Yet, stories of resilience emerge, exemplified by survivors like Mrs Anastasia Beni-Majasho, at 29 years old, developed obstetric fistula during
a difficult childbirth after losing her second child.

Beni-Majasho faced social stigma and isolation until she discovered the Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT), providing holistic fistula treatment and support services.

Through surgical intervention, counseling, rehabilitation, and skills training, she embarked on a journey toward recovery and empowerment, benefiting from a supportive community of healthcare providers and fellow survivors.

Another inspiring story is that of Mrs Sofia Mwema, who sought solace at CCBRT after enduring 19 years of social isolation due to obstetric fistula.

Through comprehensive care, including surgery, counseling, and skills training, she regained physical health, confidence, and purpose, becoming a beacon of hope for her community.

For 70-year-old ‘Mama’, who shares her daily struggle to overcome the suffering caused by injuries sustained during childbirth, the determination is to ensure that no woman is left behind.

She recalled how the only
child she gave birth to caused her severe injuries, resulting in incontinence, and later died.

This left her ostracised by her husband and community. However, surgery provided the only cure that restored her confidence from obstetric fistula.

CCBRT, led by CEO Dr Brenda Msangi, has transitioned from a community-focused NGO to Tanzania’s leading provider of disability and rehabilitation services.

Msangi emphasised safe childbirth as a fundamental right, ensuring CCBRT facilities were accessible and staff are trained to offer compassionate care to all expectant mothers.

Highlighting the distressing statistic of an 85 per cent fatality rate for babies during obstructed labour, she said that CCBRT offered hope by providing free childbirth services to alleviate anxieties.

She dispelled misconceptions surrounding fistula, adding that it is a medical condition, not a curse.

‘Through a comprehensive approach including eye surgery, prosthetic limbs, and physical therapy, CCBRT transforms lives daily.

‘The organ
isation addresses prevalent myths, financial constraints, and cultural barriers hindering women from seeking help for fistula, offering education, free surgery, and transportation assistance through a network of community ambassadors,’ she said.

She commended Tanzania’s progress in maternal healthcare under President Samia Hassan’s leadership, highlighting CCBRT’s community outreach programs like the Mabinti Centre, empowering fistula survivors through skill-building and economic independence.

With continued support, she believed these programmes could significantly enhance the lives of women across Tanzania.

Tanzania’s approach to combating obstetric fistula offers valuable lessons for other countries.

The emphasis on community-based rehabilitation and holistic care, as demonstrated by CCBRT, highlights the importance of addressing not only the medical aspects of fistula but also the social, psychological, and economic dimensions.

By providing comprehensive support services, including counseling, skills
training, and reintegration support, Tanzania demonstrates how a multi-dimensional approach can enhance the well-being and dignity of fistula survivors.

Furthermore, Tanzania’s commitment to promoting safe childbirth as a human right, as advocated by Msangi, underscores the importance of ensuring universal access to quality maternal and obstetric care.

By prioritising accessibility, equity, and compassion in healthcare delivery, Tanzania sets a precedent for other countries striving to improve maternal health outcomes and prevent obstetric fistula.

Meanwhile, Nigeria grapples with a significant burden of obstetric fistula, with an estimated 400,000 to 800,000 affected women and inadequate surgical capacity exacerbating the backlog of untreated cases.

According to Dr Fatima Ahmed, an obstetrician, addressing this challenge demands a comprehensive response, encompassing political commitment, evidence-based policies, preventive initiatives, and robust healthcare infrastructure,

Ahmed said that Nigeria’s eff
orts to end obstetric fistula included implementing a National Strategic Framework for elimination, capacity building for healthcare workers, community outreach programmes , collaboration with NGOs, and legislation and policy reforms targeting factors contributing to fistula.

She said that by investing in healthcare infrastructure, engaging communities, and advocating for women’s rights, Nigeria aimed to prevent fistula and improve maternal healthcare nationwide.

She added that other African countries can learn from Nigeria’s experiences by adopting national strategies tailored to their contexts, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and engaging communities through awareness campaigns.

The obstetrician recommended educational programmes, enacting and enforcing laws and policies to protect women’s rights, and fostering partnerships and collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international agencies.

In spite of the notable rate of successful closure of obstetric fistula in Africa, a considerable pro
portion of women still experience residual or persistent incontinence.

Experts say successful surgical closure rate of combined VVF and RVF still falls significantly below the recommendation set by WHO.

Dr Na’ima Idris, a Kano-based reproductive health expert, said that implementing a comprehensive package of fistula care through a dedicated fistula facility or a mobile surgical outreach programmes , holds promise in addressing this issue on the continent .

Addressing this challenge will help Africa in its efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal No 3 which entails ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Idris said that ensuring increased access to timely and high-quality fistula treatment, along with comprehensive post-operative care, was essential for achieving high success rates and reducing residual incontinence among women with fistulas in Africa.

As the world unites in the fight against obstetric fistula, the voices of survivors like Mama, whose resilience embodies hope, ech
o with resilience and determination.

Through collective action, advocacy, and investment in healthcare systems, the African continent can pave the way for a future where no woman suffers the indignity of obstetric fistula, where every childbirth is safe, and where every woman receives the care and support she deserves

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has so far captured over 107.3 million persons in the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment.

The Director-General, NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote said this at the Maiden Media Interactive Session of the Commission on Friday in Abuja.

Coker-Odusote said there was need to fast track the enrolment process to capture more people into the national identity database.

‘An increase in the enrolment rate will help to reduce the processing time for enrolees.

‘Obtaining NIN should be as minimal as possible because the system has been upgraded, and the capacity is not that bad.

‘We are working on increasing the capacity that we have, we are trying to increase it from 100million to 250million, the process will take us a minimum of between 6 months and 9 months,’ she said.

She said the commission had equipped all its enrolment centres, saying however that most of the equipment were outdated, as the systems were acquired as far back as 2011.

The
DG said that although the equipment were donated to the commission, the number of equipment donated were minimal compared to what was required.

She said that Nigerians would have to pay a certain amount of money to access the New General Multipurpose National Identity Card through their finance institutions.

Odusote also said that although NIN was free, the card would not be issued free of charge.

‘It is just like how you pay to access your ATM cards in the banks, Nigerians will pay through the banks to access their cards within 48 hours after payment to get the digital multipurpose card.

‘Application for the card will be based on request with individuals getting their NIN through self-service online portal or through the banks and the applicants will have to pay through the banks to acquire the card.

‘The proposed general multipurpose National Identity Card will be convenient, and it eliminates the need for multiple cards,’ she said.

She said that the cards had multiple use and can be used for payments
/financial, government intervention/services, and travel.

The DG said that NIMC was also working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to ensure hitch-free roll out of the cards.

‘Applicants for the card will have to request with their NIN through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks

‘The card will be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols with the issuance of the debit/credit cards.

‘The card can be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,’ she said.

Coker-Odusote said the commission was in partnership with Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited and Galaxy Backbone to access efficient access to internet connectivity to the 774 Local Government Areas ( LGAs) of the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that he was working toward having more retired armed forces officers in governance.

Musa said this while speaking with newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna after the Pulling Out Dinner organised by the Infantry Corps in honour of retired Infantry Generals.

He said the retired Generals, who were used for more training at operational and strategic levels, would be needed in governance where they could bring their experiences to benefit the nation.

‘The nation has spent so much in training them, such vast knowledge should not just go like that.

‘We want these top military men to continue to contribute their own quota to the development of the nation,’ he said.

The CDS pointed out that some of the retired Generals had served the Nigerian Army for 35 years, with some going even beyond that number.

‘It means they have accumulated experiences that we cannot afford to do away with.

‘They are still strong, capable and ready. We need them to contribute
so much to the nation,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The body of 24-year-old Mathias Mungeli who drowned in the Kavango River at Siyena village in the Kavango West Region was recovered on Friday.

Namibian Police Force Chief Inspector in the region Raimbert Muronga confirmed that Mungeli’s body was found at Ngone village some 12 km from Siyena where he drowned. The deceased was identified by family members.

It is alleged that Mungeli drowned around 06h00 on Wednesday and a search by the police and community members commenced immediately after the incident was reported, however, his body was only recovered on Friday.

The young man was reportedly in the company of his mother at the time of the incident.

According to information from the mother, her son had just finished preparing a canoe to cross the river with her when he suddenly slipped and fell into the water.

She said he screamed for help three times and then disappeared.

Mungeli was wearing white trousers and a green jersey at the time of the incident. His sandals were found in the canoe at the scene.

Source: Namibia Press Agency

Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has officially reopened the southbound section of the road connecting the N1 and N14 highways as the comprehensive upgrade of the entire seven kilometre Winnie Mandela Drive nears completion.

The reopening of the ongoing reconstruction project of Winnie Mandela Drive (K46) in Diepsloot, located in the Fourways area, north of Johannesburg is expected to alleviate congestion in the area.

On Thursday, the MEC highlighted the road’s crucial role in linking Gauteng, underscoring its social significance, economic impact, and facilitation of traffic flow from Pretoria to Sandton via Diepsloot.

“Upon completion, this artery will enable commuters to travel directly from Fourways to Pretoria via the Winnie Mandela Drive route,’ she said.

The road that is nearing completion has already catalysed several planned developments, including mixed-use activities within Steyn City, expected to spur job creation and bolster Gauteng’s economy.

Key contributor
Steyn City Properties (Pty) Ltd is investing 30%, as per the Implementing Agency Agreement, ensuring active participation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) contractors, empowering emerging contractors, and promoting job creation.

“This initiative aligns with our vision of bringing essential services closer to residents and demonstrating improved service delivery. The K46 Phase 2 project stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the people of Gauteng,” the MEC said. -SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, has reiterated government’s stance that ‘there are no investors leaving” the country in droves.

This as some media reports stated earlier this month that Shell is leaving South Africa after operating in the country for over 100 years.

The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of the Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo held at Kuruman in the Northern Cape on Thursday.

‘There are no investors that are leaving the country in droves. You are dealing with commercial transactions which companies look at. One company comes out, another one comes in.

‘[There was] a story that VW was leaving South Africa. VW just reinvested R4 billion preparing for a new line of auto-manufacturing vehicles that are coming in 2027 to 2029. So, it’s commercial transactions that happen globally. Every business looks at their own opportunities and says what’s in their own interest and it doesn’t mean it’s a reflection on the investor confidence in the country,’ she s
aid.

The Minister said investments ‘continue to flow into this country’ – citing the Boegoebaai green hydrogen project as an example.

‘I could churn out the numbers that are invested. The President has mentioned Boegoebaai. There are international investors that have partnered with us on Boegoebaai and there are South African companies themselves.

‘What’s important is when your own businesses invest in your own country – that’s most significant than anything else because it shows the international community that we have confidence,’ she said.

In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that green hydrogen and electric vehicle manufacturing are receiving particular attention.

‘We are going to set up a Special Economic Zone in the Boegoebaai port to drive investment in green energy. There is a great deal of interest from the private sector to participate in the boom that will be generated from green hydrogen energy projects,’ the President said at the
time.

Load shedding and logistics

Addressing the challenge of load shedding and the issues in freight rail to businesses, Ntshavheni said government is steadily working on those challenges.

‘Three months ago, the media was saying load shedding is making sure that investors leave but we have handled load shedding up to where we are [more than a month without load shedding].

‘There are notions that we are burning diesel. We are not burning diesel. Eskom has told us that they are switching off some [generating units]. They are putting some in maintenance early because we’ve got excess power.

‘We have been dealing with the logistics issue with Transnet in Durban in particular and they are back on speed in terms of the backlog that they faced. So, there is no lack of investor confidence in our country.

‘In terms of the World Bank, we are still rated the largest economy in Africa…and we compete with other countries toe to toe in terms of attracting investments,’ Ntshavheni concluded.

Source: South African G
overnment News Agency