1,629 Women Treated Under Nigeria’s Fistula-Free Programme, NHIA Reports

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced that 1,629 women have successfully received treatment for obstetric fistula through the ongoing Fistula-Free Programme. Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the NHIA, shared this update during the second steering committee meeting of the programme, held on Thursday evening in Abuja. The meeting was chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

Launched in June 2024, the Fistula-Free Programme aims to provide treatment for women suffering from obstetric fistula across Nigeria. Dr. Ohiri revealed that, within the programme’s first six months, the NHIA received 1,898 applications and enrolled 922 beneficiaries in the health insurance scheme, marking significant milestones for the initiative.

He explained, “As of now, 1,629 beneficiaries have been verified and paid for, and the number of claims submitted is approaching 2,000. With continued awareness, we hope no woman will suffer from fistula.”

Dr. Ohiri also highlighted that the programme addresses both the clinical and non-clinical needs of women affected by obstetric fistula, aiming to improve their overall well-being.