Fistula-Free Initiative Shines: Health Experts Call For Expanded Impact In 2025

Fistula-Free Initiative Shines: Health Experts Call For Expanded Impact In 2025

ABUJA – The National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) Fistula-Free Program has been hailed as a game-changer in women’s healthcare, as it continues to address the critical issue of obstetric fistula and empower women across Nigeria. Coordinating…Fistula-Free Initiative Shines: Health Experts Call For Expanded Impact In 2025

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, expressed his admiration for the program’s progress, highlighting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal to expand affordable, high-quality healthcare nationwide.

During the second steering committee meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, Prof. Pate shared his profound experience visiting one of the fistula centers in the northeast. “Women from all corners of Nigeria—Lagos, Niger, Anambra, Borno—are receiving life-changing repairs at no cost,” he said. “The program has demonstrated that we are reaching the most vulnerable women who need these services.”

Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of NHIA, provided a detailed update on the program’s milestones since its launch in June 2024. The program’s innovative approach addresses both clinical and non-clinical needs, ensuring women receive not only treatment but also support for transportation, nutrition, post-care follow-ups, and even insurance enrollment.

To date, over 1,629 women have been successfully treated across 18 accredited facilities, and the program is expanding to include additional healthcare providers. Dr. Ohiri praised the role of third-party administrators (TPAs), such as AXA Mansard and Leadway Health, in ensuring transparency and accelerating claims processing.

This holistic approach also encompasses community reintegration and awareness efforts, as civil society, traditional leaders, and community organizations join forces to identify more women in need of care. Dr. Ohiri shared a moving testimony from a woman whose life was saved through the program, a powerful reminder of its life-altering impact.

In parallel, the Seamless Maternal Care (SeaMaC) Program, which addresses obstetric emergencies, is making strides, having treated over 2,819 women and expanding its reach to high-risk facilities nationwide.

Despite the success, both Prof. Pate and Dr. Ohiri acknowledged ongoing challenges, including ensuring standardized protocols and addressing payment delays. Looking ahead to 2025, they emphasized the need for continuous improvement, stronger partnerships, and increased health insurance adoption to sustain the program’s success.

“As we look forward to 2025, we must continue this collaboration,” Prof. Pate concluded. “Our goal is to leave no woman behind in our fight against fistula and obstetric emergencies.”

The Fistula-Free Program remains a beacon of hope for women, reflecting Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, accessible healthcare for all.

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