The Role of Skilled Birth Attendance in Preventing Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF)

Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) remains a major maternal health challenge in many developing countries, including Nigeria. One of the most effective ways to prevent this devastating condition is skilled birth attendance in preventing VVF. When women give birth under the care of trained health professionals, complications can be detected and managed early, reducing the risk of prolonged obstructed labour—the primary cause of VVF.

Skilled birth attendance is not just a health service; it is a lifesaving intervention that protects women’s dignity, health, and future.

What Is Skilled Birth Attendance?

Skilled birth attendance refers to childbirth care provided by trained health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, midwives, and obstetricians, who are equipped to manage normal deliveries and identify complications.

These professionals have the skills to:

• Monitor labour progression
• Identify signs of obstructed labour
• Provide emergency obstetric care or referrals
• Perform safe delivery procedures

Their presence significantly reduces maternal and newborn complications.

How Skilled Birth Attendance Prevents VVF

Early Detection of Obstructed Labour

The leading cause of VVF is prolonged obstructed labour. Skilled attendants monitor labour and intervene early when labour is not progressing normally, preventing prolonged pressure on pelvic tissues that leads to fistula formation.

Timely Referral for Emergency Care

Skilled attendants can quickly refer women to hospitals for Caesarean sections or advanced care when needed. Early referral saves both the mother and baby.

Safe Delivery Practices

Proper delivery techniques reduce trauma to the birth canal and bladder, lowering the risk of injuries that cause fistulas.

Postpartum Monitoring

Skilled birth attendants also monitor women after delivery to detect complications early, ensuring timely treatment and recovery.

According to the World Health Organization, the presence of skilled birth attendants significantly reduces maternal morbidity and mortality, including obstetric fistulas.
WHO – Skilled Birth Attendance
https://www.who.int/health-topics/maternal-health

Challenges to Skilled Birth Attendance in Nigeria

Despite its importance, many women in Nigeria still deliver without skilled care due to:

• Lack of access to healthcare facilities in rural areas
• Poverty and inability to afford hospital delivery
• Cultural preferences for home births
• Shortage of trained health workers
• Transportation and infrastructure barriers

These challenges increase the risk of prolonged labour and VVF.

UNFPA reports that increasing skilled birth attendance coverage is key to eliminating obstetric fistula globally.
UNFPA – Obstetric Fistula
https://www.unfpa.org/obstetric-fistula

Our Commitment to Promoting Skilled Birth Attendance

At InterMediation Foundation, we advocate for skilled birth attendance in preventing VVF through:

• Community awareness programs on safe childbirth
• Education for pregnant women and families
• Partnerships with healthcare providers
• Advocacy for maternal health policies and funding

We believe no woman should suffer from preventable childbirth injuries.

Learn more about our VVF Prevention and Treatment programs on our Services page.

How You Can Help Prevent VVF

You can support the promotion of skilled birth attendance by:

• Encouraging women to deliver in healthcare facilities
• Supporting maternal health programs and NGOs
• Sponsoring awareness campaigns and training initiatives
• Advocating for improved healthcare access in rural communities

Every safe birth is a step closer to ending VVF.

Conclusion

Skilled birth attendance in preventing VVF is one of the most effective strategies for eliminating this preventable condition. When trained professionals support childbirth, complications are managed early, women are protected from prolonged labour, and lives are saved. Strengthening access to skilled birth attendants is essential for maternal health, women’s dignity, and sustainable development.

FAQs

What is skilled birth attendance?
It is childbirth care provided by trained health professionals such as doctors, nurses, or midwives.

How does skilled birth attendance prevent VVF?
By detecting and managing obstructed labour early and ensuring timely medical intervention.

Why do many women still give birth without skilled attendants?
Due to poverty, distance to health facilities, cultural practices, and shortage of healthcare workers.

How can communities promote skilled birth attendance?
Through awareness campaigns, improving healthcare access, and encouraging hospital deliveries.