A Fistula expert Jos, Plateau State, Associate Prof. Sunday Lengmang, has decried the dearth of specialists in the field.

Lengmang, who is the Director of the Vesicovaginal VVF, Centre at the Bingham Teaching Hospital, lamented that Nigeria can only boast of six specialists in handling complex cases of VVF, which is grossly inadequate, calling on the government to invest in the training of personnel owing to the rise in cases of VVF in the country

Lengmang disclosed this at the Centre’s annual reunion ceremony held in Jos, the State Capital.

According to him, ”We have visited Taraba, Kano, Gombe, Lagos, Katsina, Uyo, and other states, to treat women with these challenges.

He also decried that the majority of the patients were largely poor and could hardly afford the treatment.

”This is a lonely area with very few specialists; currently, in Nigeria, there are only six specialists that can attend to complex cases or provide complete services in the treatment of VVF”, he explained.

He further stated that ”Virtually all these patients we treated are poor; we are providing this treatment for free.

”On that note, we are calling on the government to support us with funds and also invest in the training of specialists in this field”, he admonished.

The Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the hospital, Prof Stephen Anzaku, said the reunion is aimed at bringing together former patients of the Centre to connect and share experiences, especially with those undergoing treatment.

According to him, “The VVF Centre is one of the cherished and unique units in this hospital, and the free treatment is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of our patients.

On the rising cases of VVF in the Country, the CMD said, “We are calling on the government and other spirited individuals to support the expansion of its operations toward tackling the rising cases”.