By Princess Don
Uyo
The Family Life Centre/VVF Hospital, Mbribit Itam, Akwa Ibom State, has taken another step in its fight against social stigma and economic hardship for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) survivors by providing vocational training, start-up funds, and complete tailoring kits to three beneficiaries.
At a weekend send-forth ceremony, the women including Itoro Sunday Akpan, Eno Idio Otong, and Emmanuella Edwin Ekaem were presented with sewing machines, weaving machines, mannequins, mirrors, fabrics, showglass, irons, hangers, ₦100,000 each, and a one-year paid shop rent.
Matron of the hospital, Sr. Maria Obotamah, said the empowerment programme aims to restore dignity and ensure that survivors can support themselves and their families.
“This is more than economic empowerment; it is the restoration of hope and confidence,” she said.
Hospital Administrator Sr. Rosemary Akpa noted that VVF treatment at the centre includes surgery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society, with skill acquisition training lasting up to two years.
The Family Life Centre/VVF Hospital, founded in 1990 by the late Sr. Dr. Ann Ward, remains Nigeria’s first dedicated VVF treatment facility. Despite its impact, the hospital continues to face funding shortages, limited bed space, and rising medical costs.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the hospital, donors, and the Keith and Gay Talbot Trust for the support, describing it as a life-changing opportunity.
The event featured goodwill messages, testimonies, and commendations from dignitaries for the hospital’s work in rehabilitating women and combating VVF in Nigeria.
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