Alone in Kano
Olunloyo, S.
Nigeria's Population Quarterly Journal of Population Activities in Nigeria 1993: 8-9
1993
PMID: 12318636 Document Number: 331911
The Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria needs to support the prevention of VVF disease in girls and the care of those already afflicted. One 8-bed ward at Kano General Hospital has treated VVF patients since 1987. The ward is staffed by 1 doctor and 2 nurses. Since the doctor is in attendance on only Mondays and Tuesdays, only 8 operations may be completed per week. His salary is paid by the Ford Foundation and not the Ministry of Health, while the lack of resources demands that he use implements and operating materials bought by patients. The Ministry of Social Welfare agreed to provide free lodging for patients who come for treatment in Kano. A hostel was therefore established to house 30 patients in 2 dormitories. The facility was conceived as a halfway house for VVF patients awaiting treatment and recuperating from treatment. Literacy classes are organized for the girls by the National Commission for Women. The steady supply of incoming patients and their subsequent slow turnover, however, have swollen the halfway house population to 80 at last visit. These girls often reside in the house for years while waiting for and recuperating from multiple operations against VVF. An additional doctor is sorely needed to treat patients at the clinic. Moreover, funds are needed to expand the hostel; to replace the 8 year-old patient transport bus; and to procure more waterproof materials and nappies to contain leaking urine from patients' bladders and protect the mattresses. The women also need opportunities to earn personal income while in the hostel. It is suggested that increasing the prevalence and improving the quality of antenatal care while reducing the occurrence of home deliveries will help reduce the incidence of VVF. Striking more at the root of the problem, information, education, and communication could stress to parents the value of education and functional literacy for girls. School-age girls can be encouraged to make soaps, pomade, arts and crafts for sale after school. Girls who would otherwise be married off by parents at extremely young ages can therefore remain in the household and contribute to the ongoing income of their families. Although families may receive significant sums of money for their young daughters, the long-term financial outlay for the family to care for them once they develop VVF is greater.