MOMENTUM: Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics Activity Launched

Momentum: A new USAID program on Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics has been launched on the 28th of June 2021 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The program targets increased advocacy and awareness against early child marriage and the possible setbacks from a lack of family planning on women’s health in particular: Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).

The program is to run in Kebbi, Sokoto and Bauchi states. Select group of dignitaries from USAID, the 3 states and the Medical profession were present both physically and virtually.

Amarachi Obinna-Nnadi of USAID gave the welcome address and general overview of the program.

Fistula Ambasador, Mrs. Stephanie Okereke spoke on her upcoming movie about the topic and the work she has done across the country including Kebbi State with HE Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu.

The CEO and President of Engender Health Traci L. Baird restated their global commitment to bringing awareness and prevent the high cases of VVF in LMIC’s.

Similarly, Regional representative of Engender Health – Nene Fofana Cisse, gave a talk about the regional context surrounding women’s health and fistula.

Other guests were UNFPA Resident Representative Ulla Mueller, U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, Vandana Tripathi – The Director of the MOMENTUM, Ebonyi, Sokoto, FCT and Kebbi state Health commissioners

Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu gave a PowerPoint presentation about Child & Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) and VVF. She used the opportunity to show the work done in Kebbi; state such as modernisation of the VVF centre Gesse, during she paid tribute to Late Dr Abubakar Bawa Dakingari who passionately led the centre. Other relevant programs presented were Menstrual health, HILWA, Kebbi Multipurpose Cooperative, TWG on SGBV, etc. She gave a personal commitment to continue engaging and mobilizing the women of Kebbi as it pertains to their health.

The Honorable Minister of Women Affairs Her Excellency Dame Pauline Tallen spoke at length about (MoWASD) Ministry of Women’s Affair and Social Development’s Reintegration, empowerment activities and linkages for fistula survivors. Eventually she launched the program with a buzzer sound.

Chief Edem, the coordinator of the Event, gave the Vote of Thanks.

Abdulgafar Umar

Technical Assistant