National Strategic Framework for the Elimination of Obstetric Fistula in Nigeria 2011-2015
Framework · Health
Policy date: 2011-01-01
A Framework that coordinates efforts to prevent obstetric fistula, treat affected women, and support their reintegration into communities. It targets women and girls at risk, healthcare providers, and high-prevalence regions to reduce fistula incidence.
National Strategic Framework for the Elimination of Obstetric Fistula in Nigeria 2011-2015
What Is This Policy?
A five-year strategic framework that coordinated national efforts to prevent obstetric fistula, treat affected women, and rehabilitate and reintegrate fistula survivors into their communities.
Who Does It Target?
Women and girls affected by or at risk of obstetric fistula Healthcare providers in maternal and reproductive health Fistula repair centres and surgical teams Communities in regions with high fistula prevalence
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Eliminate obstetric fistula in Nigeria by addressing its root causes, strengthening emergency obstetric care, scaling up surgical repair services, and supporting the social reintegration of survivors.
Key Features
Prevention: Improved access to skilled birth attendance and emergency obstetric care Treatment: Expansion of fistula repair centres and training of fistula surgeons Rehabilitation: Social reintegration, skills training, and economic support for survivors Community Mobilization: Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage treatment seeking Data Collection: National fistula prevalence mapping and patient tracking systems
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Completed (2011-2015), with ongoing successor programmes Coverage: Priority states with the highest fistula burden, particularly in the North Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Health, Reproductive Health Division Partners: UNFPA, EngenderHealth, Fistula Foundation, development partners
How to Access
Women affected by fistula can access free repair services through designated fistula centres. Contact local health authorities or community health workers for referral Visit designated fistula repair centres for assessment and surgery UNFPA-supported centres often provide free repair and rehabilitation services
Impact & Metrics
During the framework period, thousands of women received free fistula repair surgery. However, a large backlog of cases remains due to the ongoing incidence of new cases linked to limited access to skilled birth attendance in many parts of the country.
Official Resources
Website: health.gov.ng Contact: Reproductive Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja
Legal Framework
The National Strategic Framework for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV operates under the National Health Act 2014, the NACA Act, and the HIV and AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Act 2014. It aligns with the WHO eMTCT Guidelines, UNAIDS Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children and Keeping Their Mothers Alive, PEPFAR PMTCT frameworks, and the Global Fund Grant requirements on maternal-child HIV elimination targets.