Mirian Gom 
ZARIA, Nigeria – The Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital Fistula Centre says it has successfully repaired more than 2,000 obstetric fistula cases since its establishment in 1999.
Chief Surgeon Mohammed-Ado Zakari disclosed the figures during the 2026 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula commemorated in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The centre currently performs about 150 fistula repair surgeries annually, recording a success rate above 70 per cent, according to hospital data.
Zakari says obstetric fistula remains a major maternal health crisis affecting rural women with limited access to quality healthcare.
Globally, more than two million women live with untreated fistula, while Nigeria alone may account for between 100,000 and one million untreated cases.
“Early marriage, prolonged obstructed labour, poverty and shortage of skilled birth attendants remain major causes of the condition,” Zakari says.
The surgeon also raises concern over rising cases linked to medical quackery, alleging that more than 60 per cent of private clinics in Zaria lack qualified personnel to handle maternal healthcare services.
“We currently have patients who are victims of unqualified medical personnel undergoing fistula repairs at the centre,” he says.
The hospital commends interventions under the Federal Government’s Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care initiative and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Traditional and religious leaders attending the event are urged to support awareness campaigns promoting safe childbirth and maternal healthcare access.
The 2026 global theme for the event is “Her Health is a Right: Invest in Ending Fistula and Childbirth Injury”.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
