By Peoples’ Guide Reporters
As the world observed the 2025 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF), Daughters of Virtue and Empowerment Initiative (DOVENET), with support from Friends of Nigeria (FON), has led a powerful advocacy and awareness campaign in Nwofe Agbaja community, Izzi LGA, Ebonyi State, drawing attention to the continued suffering of women and girls affected by obstetric fistula — a preventable and treatable childbirth injury.
They explained that Obstetric fistula is a condition that often results from prolonged or obstructed labor without timely medical intervention, and leaves women incontinent and vulnerable to serious health complications. Experts revealed that festula is more than just a medical issue, because it carries deep social consequences – from stigma and isolation to the loss of livelihoods, relationships, and dignity.
According to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), over 13,000 Nigerian women develop fistula annually, with 90% of those cases involving stillbirths.
The root causes of this condition are deeply embedded in societal structures: early marriage, lack of access to skilled birth attendants, weak health-seeking behavior, and limited maternal health infrastructure-especially in rural and underserved communities.
In an event marking the year’s IDEOF, DOVENET also convened a Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Ebonyi State that brought together community leaders, health professionals, government officials, women’s groups, traditional rulers, and faith-based organizations. The event focused on raising awareness, sharing experiences, and developing community-driven solutions to reduce the burden of obstetric fistula.
Speaking at the dialogue, the Executive Director of DOVENET, Chief Mrs. Ugo Nnachi who was represented, emphasized the urgency of collaborative action to completely end FGM in Ebonyi State.
“At DOVENET, we believe no woman should suffer in silence because of a childbirth injury. With the support of Friends of Nigeria, we have given many women a new chance at life. Fistula is preventable and treatable — but we must act together to end it. We call on communities, families, and leaders to stand up for women’s health, dignity, and rights,” she said.
Also present at the event was Mr. Peter Iteshi, the Social Mobilization Officer for Izzi LGA, who has been instrumental in community outreach and education efforts. He highlighted the devastating impact of fistula on young women, particularly those subjected to early marriage, and the critical role of community engagement. He urged traditional leaders, youth, and health workers to continue creating awareness and referring women for help. Every woman deserves to live free from shame and pain. Adding to the conversation, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at DOVENET, (Mr. Peter Ewah) who led a session on fistula prevention and access to treatment, underscored the importance of education, timely referrals, and targeted support for vulnerable populations: He emphasized the need for rehabilitation and reintegration and called for support in that area.
Several participants expressed appreciation for the awareness raised during the event, with some pledging to disseminate the information in their villages and churches.
A woman leader from Izzi, shared her intention to mobilize local women for regular health checks and referrals.
In response, DOVENET through the Executive Director reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating obstetric fistula and called on all Stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots influencers to invest in maternal health, strengthen referral systems, and challenge harmful traditional practices like female enital mutilation to achieve a fistula free society.
Ending obstetric fistula is not merely a health issue, it is a human rights imperative. By delaying early marriage, promoting girls’ education, ensuring skilled care at childbirth, and empowering local health workers, communities can play a pivotal role in ending fistula.
“Let us break the silence. Let us break the cycle. And let us stand together for a future where no woman lives in shame from a preventable childbirth injury,” the DOVENET Executive Director concluded.