By ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
The Canadian Government has said it would continue to support Nigeria and Sokoto State Government in particular, especially in the area of health and education for women and girls.
The Acting Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Nicolas Simard made the disclosure on Thursday while presenting Information Communication Technology equipments to the recently established VVF Repair Center, in Goronyo Town, Headquarters of Goronyo LGA.
The Canadian Envoy, who stressed that unhindered access to quality education for women and girls remained sacrosanct towards achieving good health for them, added that they are satisfied with the degree of progress recorded in repairs, rehabilitation, and reintegration of VVF survivors in the State.
While divulging that the Canadian Government is supporting women reproductive health in Nigeria by providing funds through the United Nations Populations Funds (UNFPA), Mr Nicolas added that, lives are being saved courtesy of these interventions.
Collaborating the Canadian Envoy’s position, Ms Ulla Mueller, the UNFPA Country Director, rated wife of Sokoto State Govenor, Mariya Amimu Waziri Tambuwal high in commitment to women and girls child education and health.
Mueller, however, insisted that the UNFPA remained committed to addressing both issues of Fistula, harmful practices, maternal health as well as Gender Based Violence in Nigeria.
On his part, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ali Inname appreciated Canadian government for their continued investment in humanity
According to Dr Inname, the Canadian support for VVF center in Sokoto has helped them to conduct major and complex Fistula surgeries for patients from all over the country.
He said with establishment of additional Fistula Repair Center at Goronyo General Hospital, Sokoto is now becoming hub for fistula treatment in Nigeria.
Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Sifawa said the VVF center has restored dignity of most survivors.
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