Standard of Practice on Obstetric Fistula in Nigeria (Nurses' Version)
Act · Health
Guidelines set standards for nurses and midwives on preventing and treating obstetric fistula in Nigeria. They target registered nurses, midwives, and primary healthcare workers to cover identification, referral, and post-operative care. This equips them to provide quality maternal health services.
Standard of Practice on Obstetric Fistula in Nigeria (Nurses' Version)
What Is This Policy?
A clinical practice guide for nurses and midwives that defines standards for the prevention, identification, referral, and post-operative care of obstetric fistula, one of the most severe consequences of prolonged obstructed labour.
Who Does It Target?
Registered nurses and midwives Nursing students in training Primary healthcare workers in maternity services Hospital maternity units and obstetric fistula repair centres
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Equip nurses and midwives with standardized knowledge and skills to prevent obstetric fistula, identify affected women early, provide appropriate referral, and deliver quality post-surgical care.
Key Features
Prevention Protocols: Guidelines for monitoring labour using the partograph and timely referral for obstructed labour Early Identification: Signs and symptoms for rapid detection of fistula in postnatal women Referral Pathways: Clear steps for referring patients to fistula repair centres Post-Operative Nursing Care: Detailed care plans for patients recovering from fistula repair surgery Psychosocial Support: Guidance on addressing the stigma and mental health challenges faced by fistula patients
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active in facilities offering fistula services Coverage: Distributed through fistula repair centres and training institutions Lead Agency: Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Health Partners: UNFPA, EngenderHealth, Fistula Foundation
How to Access
The standard is distributed through nursing training institutions and health facilities. Obtain through the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Access through fistula repair centres and training workshops Available from UNFPA Nigeria publications
Official Resources
Website: health.gov.ng Contact: Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Abuja
Legal Framework
Operates under the National Health Act 2014, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria Act, the National Reproductive Health Policy, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, and the National Strategic Framework for VVF Eradication. Draws on UNFPA Campaign to End Fistula protocols and WHO clinical guidelines on obstetric fistula repair.