The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has made significant strides in improving maternal health in Nigeria by providing comprehensive obstetric fistula care for 400 women across the country.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address maternal health challenges and ensure that no woman suffers from preventable conditions due to a lack of access to quality healthcare services.
During a media engagement on Wednesday in Abuja, director-general of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri highlighted the success of this programme, which initially targeted National Obstetric Fistula Centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Edo states. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s response to a backlog of nearly 400,000 obstetric fistula cases in Nigeria.
Obstetric fistula is a severe childbirth injury that occurs due to prolonged and obstructed labour without timely medical intervention. This condition results in a tear between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, leaving women incontinent, socially isolated and often unable to have more children. It is a condition that disproportionately affects women in rural areas, where access to skilled medical care during childbirth is limited.
Through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) program and with the support of various health partners, NHIA has made it possible for affected women to receive life-changing surgical repairs, post-operative care, and psychological support. These interventions have not only restored dignity but also significantly improved the quality of life for those affected by this preventable condition.
Ohiri emphasised NHIA’s commitment to ensuring that no woman in Nigeria suffers the indignity of obstetric fistula due to a lack of access to quality healthcare services. He noted that this initiative is part of a larger goal to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality rates across the country.
The programme provided more than just surgical care. It included extensive rehabilitation services to help women reintegrate into their communities with confidence. Additionally, NHIA has launched awareness campaigns to educate women and families about the importance of timely and skilled medical care during childbirth, aiming to prevent the occurrence of obstetric fistula in the first place.
Despite these successes, Ohiri acknowledged that obstetric fistula remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with thousands of new cases reported each year. To sustain progress, NHIA is calling for increased funding, greater community engagement, and stronger partnerships with state governments and non-governmental organisations.
As NHIA continues to prioritize maternal health, this comprehensive care initiative serves as a beacon of hope for many women across Nigeria. It signals a brighter future where every woman can access the healthcare she needs, regardless of her location or economic status.
In addition to the obstetric fistula care program, Ohiri also reported significant progress in the implementation of the BHCPF programme under NHIA’s Gateway initiative. Since the last monitoring and oversight committee (MOC) meeting, the number of health facilities receiving disbursements from NHIA has increased from approximately 7,800 in April 2024 to over 8,200. This marks a substantial improvement in healthcare delivery across the country.
All 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have now established their respective state social health insurance agencies. This development solidifies the framework necessary for broader health insurance coverage, ensuring that more Nigerians have access to essential health services.
Since the inception of the BHCPF in 2019, NHIA has successfully disbursed around NGN 63 billion, demonstrating ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare financing in Nigeria. The programme has also enrolled an additional 160,000 citizens, bringing the total number of enrolled beneficiaries to nearly 1.96 million.
However, Ohiri pointed out that the utilisation rate of insured citizens currently stands at 15 per cent, indicating room for improvement in awareness and service uptake. He noted that Akwa Ibom and Rivers States have made notable progress by accrediting facilities under the BHCPF programme, further expanding the reach of quality healthcare services.
The NHIA’s efforts in providing comprehensive obstetric fistula care and expanding healthcare coverage under the BHCPF programme represent significant milestones in improving maternal health and overall healthcare delivery in Nigeria. These initiatives highlight the importance of continued investment, community engagement and strong partnerships in achieving health for all Nigerians.
