Bauchi — About 2,000 people are currently living with Vesico Virginal Fistula (VVF) disease in Bauchi State.

Medical officer in charge of Ningi General Hospital, Dr Monsuru Dada, disclosed this in Ningi during the community mobilisation campaign on VVF organised by USAID Fistula Care.

He explained that VVF is mainly caused by prolonged labour, stressing that 18 patients, who are suffering from it are already in admission in Ningi General Hospital for surgery.

He added, "We are still expecting more patients because we started administering treatment to them three days ago. The treatment is being given free of charge because the centre was established by the state government in collaboration with USAID with the aim of rendering free health care services to all VVF patients not only in Bauchi State but across the country.

He said the patients that already on admission are from Ningi, Warji, Ganjua, Bauchi and Misau councils of the state, noting that the centre has a capacity of 50 beds, stressing, "But we started with only 24 beds but very soon we will start operating all the 50 beds after renovation."

He said the campaign will only last for five days to sensitize the people to be aware of the VVF centre, saying that the repairs continue even after the campaign exercise.

He disclosed that skill acquisition centre will be established in the centre to enable patients learn different skills, while on admission to enable them be productive as well as self-employed when they are discharged.