08/03/2026
Celebrating Hope, Healing, and Restoration at BHUTH
From Thursday, March 5th to Saturday, March 7th, Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH), through the Vesico-Vaginal Fistula Centre, hosted a remarkable VVF Survivors Reunion, bringing together women from across Nigeria who have journeyed from the pain of “wetness” to the joy of “dryness” after successful treatment for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF).
The reunion welcomed tens of survivors and patients currently receiving care, creating a powerful atmosphere of encouragement, healing, and shared experiences. The three-day event began with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by a series of skills acquisition trainings, craft sessions, health education, and awareness programmes facilitated by the dedicated VVF care team. The women also had the opportunity to interact closely with hospital staff, share their personal stories of survival, and inspire others who are still awaiting their healing journey.
The grand finale on Saturday was particularly emotional and celebratory as some women and girls who previously underwent free reconstructive surgery for VVF graduated from the rehabilitation and reintegration programme organized by the VVF Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of the Centre, Sunday Lengman, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to raising funds to ensure women suffering from VVF receive free treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration support. He emphasized that VVF is a curable condition and called on governments and stakeholders to intensify efforts toward achieving the global target of eliminating VVF by 2030.
The Chief Medical Director of BHUTH, Prof.Stephen Anzaku, explained that the reunion and graduation ceremony were designed not only to celebrate recovery but also to encourage women living with VVF to seek treatment and raise awareness about prevention. He commended the VVF team for their dedication and described the centre as a model for compassionate and comprehensive VVF care in Nigeria, while urging government support for similar centres nationwide particularlyprivate and faith based centres.
Some of the recovered women who shared their testimonies expressed deep gratitude to the centre for providing free surgery, accommodation, feeding, rehabilitation, and gifts. Many recounted the emotional pain, stigma, financial hardship, and even abandonment they faced, noting that the intervention had restored their dignity, confidence, and hope for the future.
Also speaking on behalf of partners, Hannah Dege highlighted the importance of holistic healing, encouraging the women to embrace not only physical recovery but also spiritual renewal as they return to their communities.
The event concluded on a joyful note with traditional dances, prayers, presentation of gifts, and the official graduation of successfully treated VVF survivors, marking a new chapter of hope, dignity, and reintegration for the women.
At BHUTH, the message remains clear: no woman deserves to suffer from VVF, and together with partners and supporters, the hospital continues to work tirelessly toward ending VVF and restoring lives.
