Madam Fattoh (right)presenting the cheque to Dr Awinubonu (right)

The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) has committed US$245,000 to support Ghana’s Obstetric Fistula Elimination Programme.

At a ceremony in Accra to launch the 2024 edition of the EGDC’s Obstetric Fistula Programme, a dummy cheque was presented to representatives of the Ministries of Health and Gender, Children and Social Protection. 

Madam Sandra Oulate Fattoh, Director EGDC who made the presentation reiterated the Centre’s unwavering support to member states to improve the overall wellbeing of women and girls.

She said the launch of the 2024 edition of the Obstetric Fistula Programme, an initiative of her outfit reaffirmed commitment to the health and dignity of women in Ghana and across West Africa.

Dr Ignatius Awinubonu, who represented Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, Ghana’s Health Minister, noted that Obstetric Fistula remained one of the most challenging Health issues faced women in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The burden of this condition is particularly severe in rural and underserved areas, where access to quality maternal healthcare was often limited.

He mentioned Prevention, Treatment and Re-integration as the key areas of the Ghana Obstetric Fistula Prevention and Management Strategic Plan (GOFPMSP) which served as a blueprint guiding national efforts to combat the disease.

He noted that rehabilitation of the Tamale Fistula Centre was a key component of the ongoing efforts to be retooled to provide comprehensive care for patients. 

While the Strategic Plan for the Elimination Programme had made remarkable success, much remained to be done, and these include scaling up community outreach programmes. 

Dr Gabriel Ganyaglo, Chair of the National Fistula Task Force Team, described the EGDC support as important because it was meant for infrastructure upgrade, which was critical in the National strategic plan. 

According to him, most of the funding went into surgeries and treatment of patients, adding that this was a major fund for infrastructure.   These funds will go directly into expanding the Tamale Fistula Centre, to provide an additional theatre with complimentary equipment and additional beds to become a comprehensive regional centre of excellence. 

He hoped that through the collaborative efforts of the health ministry and development partners, Fistula repair would be accessible to ensure that no woman suffered the debilitating effects of Obstetric Fistula. 

Madam Fidelia Anku and Deborah Nkansah, Fistula survivors narrated their painful ordeal in getting treatment until they received free surgeries and treatment from the National Fistula Task Force due to support of the EGDC.- GNA