By Our Correspondent in Jos
Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has inaugurated the First Bank free Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) surgery and empowerment programme for underprivileged women in Plateau State.
The programme, which took place at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, is a part of First Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at alleviating the suffering of women affected by VVF.
During the event, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to First Bank for its compassionate intervention, highlighting the importance of partnerships in addressing critical health challenges in the state.
He emphasized the need for continued collaboration with organizations to provide essential medical services and rehabilitation for VVF patients.
The governor also called on community and religious leaders, as well as corporate entities, to support efforts in raising awareness about VVF and educating parents on the risks associated with early marriages, a leading cause of the condition.
The empowerment programme includes the distribution of kits, such as culinary equipment, to rehabilitated women.
The initiative is expected to provide corrective surgeries to 50 women and empower 300 more, with free medical attention extended to a total of 600 VVF patients.
First Bank’s Executive Director, Idris Ado Ibrahim, noted that this initiative is part of the bank’s annual CSR and sustainability week, which focuses on fostering social development across Nigeria, particularly in communities in need.
The programme has reached over one million beneficiaries nationwide.
Dr. Sunday Lengmak, Programme Coordinator for VVF at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, further explained the profound impact of VVF on young mothers and expressed optimism that the programme would significantly improve the lives of affected women in Plateau State.
