The role of universal health coverage in the eradication of obstetric fistula in Nigeria-A commentary

Obstetric fistula is a serious public health problem affecting women in low- and middle-income countries. It is characterized by continuous leakage of urine and/or feces from the vagina as a result of injuries sustained from childbirth. It has continued to exist in Nigeria because the publicly funded health-care system has failed to provide quality, equitable, accessible, and affordable maternal health care. It is largely a problem of poor, young, uneducated, and rural women who lack access to quality maternity care. Universal health coverage implies a system which provides quality health-care and financial protection to all citizens of a country. This is attained when all citizens have the needed health services without being subjected to out-of-pocket expenditure. Universal health coverage is currently not obtainable in Nigeria. When implemented, it will eliminate the existing inequality in access to health care, thereby allowing the poor and vulnerable citizens access to quality maternity care and safe delivery. A comprehensive health insurance cover for all pregnant women regardless of socioeconomic status, priority setting in resource allocation, and public-private partnership are advocated for eradication of obstetric fistula in Nigeria.