Amanze Chinonye
A Nigerian health advocacy organisation, Gem Hub Initiative, has warned that the country’s rising rate of teenage pregnancy is worsening cases of obstetric fistula, as inadequate maternal healthcare and delays in emergency treatment continue to expose young women to preventable childbirth injuries.
The organisation raised the concern on Friday during activities marking the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, calling for urgent interventions to address the growing health challenge.
Obstetric fistula is a serious childbirth injury caused mainly by prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical intervention, particularly access to emergency caesarean section services.
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The condition often leaves affected women unable to control urine or faeces, while many survivors also face stigma, abandonment and psychological trauma.
Executive Director of Gem Hub Initiative, Oyeyemi Pitan, said teenage pregnancy remains one of the major underlying causes of obstetric fistula in Nigeria.
“Nigeria still records a high rate of teenage pregnancy, one of the underlying factors of obstetric fistula,” Pitan said in a statement.
“Our work in communities shows that far more needs to be done,” she added.
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The organisation noted that many women suffering from obstetric fistula also lose their babies during childbirth and are later subjected to shame, rejection and social isolation within their communities.
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Health experts have consistently identified teenage pregnancy, child marriage, poverty and limited access to quality maternal healthcare as key factors driving the prevalence of obstetric fistula in Nigeria.
According to recent findings from Johns Hopkins University, about 457,000 women aged between 15 and 64 were living with obstetric fistula globally in 2020. Advocates, however, say Nigeria remains among the countries carrying a significant burden of the condition.
Gem Hub Initiative urged governments and stakeholders to increase investment in adolescent reproductive health programmes, strengthen maternal healthcare systems and improve access to emergency obstetric services as part of efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula by 2030.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
