NIGERIA (Kebbi)-The Kebbi State Vesico Vaginal Festulae (VVF) Centre, Birnin Kebbi, said it treated 216 patients in the last 13 months.

The Medical Director of the centre, Abubakar Dakingari, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Birnin Kebbi that 169 patients were operated upon while 47 were treated with catheter.

He said most patients sustained the disease as a result of prolonged labour, while some of them were victims of genital mutilation.

“The centre offers treatment free to patients from within and outside and neighbouring countries,’’ he said.

Mr. Dakingari also noted that many women affected by the condition were from remote villages that lacked roads and capable health care facilities.

He also blamed ignorance and poverty for the occurrence of the ailment, especially among teenage girls giving birth for the first time.

“The ailment is also common among older women living in the villages,’’ he said.

The medical director said the state government was taking care of the treatment of the patients as well as their feeding.

He said the centre was supported by USAID and non-governmental organisations, but called on wealthy individuals, stakeholders and philanthropists to provide additional support.