WCC Launches Hausa-Language Guide to Combat Obstetric Fistula in Northern Nigeria

By Tgnews Reporter

The World Council of Churches (WCC), through its Africa Regional Programme Office in Abuja, has launched the Hausa-language version of its guide on the prevention of obstetric fistula during a three-day programme in Northern Nigeria.

The event brought together Christian and Muslim leaders from across the region to address both the devastating health crisis and the urgent need for interfaith harmony.

The launch, which took place in Duragi, Adamawa State, featured the release of the Hausa edition of the WCC’s “A Guide for Churches on the Prevention of Obstetric Fistula.”

Originally developed to raise awareness among church communities, the resource explains the condition and outlines practical steps for prevention and support.

The Hausa version aims to reach a wider audience in Northern Nigeria, where the language is widely spoken across multiple states.

Obstetric fistula is a severe, yet largely preventable childbirth injury that creates an abnormal opening between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum.

It typically results from prolonged, obstructed labour without timely access to emergency obstetric care. Sufferers experience constant leakage of urine or faeces, leading to profound physical, psychological, and social consequences, including severe stigma and isolation.

Ms Jennifer Philpot-Nissen, WCC Programme Executive for Human Rights and Disarmament, provided a detailed explanation of the condition during the event, emphasising its preventability through improved access to skilled maternal care.

In his goodwill message, Rev. Joel Manzo — President of the Gongola Baptist Conference and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa State chapter — commended the WCC for its initiative.

He described the Hausa-language guide as a timely and practical tool that would serve as a true compass for communities battling the scourge of obstetric fistula.

Rev. Manzo affirmed that Adamawa CAN fully supports the effort and will work earnestly to promote its use across the state.

The programme also served as a platform for a high-level interfaith strategic meeting. Christian and Muslim leaders engaged in frank discussions on fostering unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence amid rising concerns over divisive rhetoric, particularly on social media.

Mallam Abdullahi Njidda Damare, Coordinator of the North East Inter Faith Mediation Centre (IMC), delivered a strong message, declaring that “religion is humanity, and humanity is God.”

He expressed deep concern over blasphemous attacks between young Nigerians of the two dominant faiths on social media platforms, warning that unchecked behaviour could plunge the nation into uncontrollable religious chaos.

He noted that the North is already grappling with multiple challenges, including insecurity and health issues such as obstetric fistula.

Mallam Damare praised Adamawa State for maintaining relative peace despite religious differences, citing mutual understanding between communities.

He urged leaders from both faiths — specifically referencing CAN Chairman Rev. Joel Manzo and Muslim leader Gambo Jika — to identify and isolate “wolves in sheep’s clothing” who sow discord among genuine peace-loving people.

The gathering brought together leaders and representatives from the 19 Northern states, spanning the North East, North Central, and North West zones. Participants delivered speeches and shared insights on peaceful coexistence during the opening of the three-day event.

Other notable contributors included:

Ms Muriel Nafico, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Imam Bashiru Tahir Yola, Chief Imam of Mopol Barrack, Yola; His Grace Most Rev. Ibrahim Amfani, Archbishop of the Yola Anglican Archdiocese; P-abs Mercy John, National Secretary of WOWICCN; Archbishop Ibrahim Chindo of the Methodist Archdiocese of the North; Rev. Musa Likita, Conference President of the North East Baptist Conference; A Muslim woman leader; Rev. Dr. Ibrahim Wushishi, Coordinator of the WCC Africa Regional Programme Office

The event underscored a dual commitment: tackling a preventable maternal health tragedy through culturally accessible education and strengthening interfaith bonds to safeguard Northern Nigeria’s fragile peace.

Leaders expressed hope that the Hausa fistula guide would empower communities, while sustained interfaith dialogue would help counter extremism and promote the harmonious coexistence that faith traditions themselves advocate.