The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has raised alarm over the global burden of fistula, revealing that more than 2 million women are living with the condition worldwide, with Nigeria accounting for an estimated 400,000 cases.
Dr. Saka Agboola, Head of the Standards and Quality Assurance Unit at NHIA, disclosed the figures on Monday in Ilorin during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Fistula, most often obstetric fistula, is an abnormal opening between the vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal fistula) or rectum (rectovaginal fistula). It is typically caused by prolonged, obstructed labour in settings where women lack timely access to skilled medical care.
Nigeria’s Burden
Agboola noted that developing countries bear the heaviest share of the condition, with over 1 million cases, while Nigeria alone represents about 7.5% of the global total.
He described it as a “national burden that may take decades to fully address”.
Government Response
To tackle the crisis, Agboola highlighted the NHIA Fistula-Free Programme (FFP), a federal initiative providing free surgeries, rehabilitation, and health insurance coverage for affected women.
“The government recognised the limited number of fistula centres and has now increased them to 18 nationwide. So far, more than 1,600 cases have been successfully treated under this initiative,” he said.
The programme also covers patients’ feeding, transportation, and provides stipends to support recovery and reintegration into society.
Maternal Health Push
Agboola further pointed to the NHIA Maternal Initiative, which seeks to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by addressing key barriers women face during childbirth — including delays in seeking care, recognising danger signs, and accessing timely medical attention.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to improving women’s health outcomes through expanded insurance coverage, improved access to maternal care, and sustained public health programmes.
