By Ankeli Emmanuel (Sokoto)
The Canadian government will continue to support Nigeria and Sokoto State government in particular on health and education for women and girls, Mr Nicolas Simard, has said.
Simard, who is the Acting Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria made the disclosure on Thursday while presenting Information Communication Technology equipment to the recently established VVF Repair Center, in Goronyo town, headquarters of Goronyo local government.
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 disclosing that the Canadian government is supporting women's 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 governor, Mariya Aminu 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 the Canadian government for its continued investment in humanity
According to Dr Inname, the Canadian support for the VVF center in Sokoto has helped them to conduct major and complex Fistula surgeries for patients from all over the country.
He said with the establishment of an additional Fistula Repair Center at Goronyo General Hospital, Sokoto is now becoming a hub for fistula treatment in Nigeria.
Sokoto State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Sifawa said the VVF center has restored the dignity of most survivors. NNL.
