By Joy Odor
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Nordica Fertility Centre have joined forces to enhance reproductive health services in Abuja, introducing a groundbreaking High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine for non-invasive fibroid treatment.
This development was announced during the Abuja Maiden Edition Reproductive Health Week, a two-day event that brought together medical experts and the public to discuss critical reproductive health issues.
The initiative was aimed to improve women’s health in the FCT, particularly during International Women’s Month.
According to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of Health Services & Environment (FCTA), the HIFU machine offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option for fibroids, which does not affect fertility and even enhances infertility treatment.
She informed that the Key Benefits of the HIFU Machine include, Non-invasive treatment_: No surgery required
– _Safe and effective: Proven track record of success
– _Preserves fertility: Does not affect fertility and enhances infertility treatment
– _Improves quality of life: Relieves symptoms and improves overall well-being.
According to her, the FCTA and Nordica Fertility Centre are committed to making this treatment accessible and affordable for women in Abuja.
Fasawe affirmed that discussions are underway to explore insurance options and other financial support mechanisms to ensure that women can access this life-changing treatment.
“It is safe, effective, and does not affect fertility. In fact, it enhances infertility treatment.
“This is good news to us in the FCT, knowing that we have this partnership that will give women a better quality of life,” she said. “Fibroid does not respect age or socio-economic status, but it affects fertility, the mind, and overall quality of life” she explained.
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, emphasized the importance of fertility preservation for cancer patients.
He noted that with increasing survival rates among childhood cancer patients, it is essential to address infertility caused by cancer treatments.
“Now that many of them are surviving, how do they have children after cancer? That’s what we are discussing today,” he stated.
Dr. Ajayi also praised the FCTA for its support in fostering partnerships to improve reproductive healthcare services.
“This collaboration has been an eye-opener. If Nigeria was like this everywhere, our healthcare system would progress much faster,” he noted.
In addition, Dr. Ajayi, highlighted the arrival of the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine in Abuja, describing it as a major advancement in reproductive health.
“You can only use what you are aware of, so we are starting with awareness creation. Once that is achieved, we will address other aspects step by step,” he said.
He noted that Abuja serves as a strategic hub for northern Nigeria, making it a crucial location for expanding reproductive healthcare services.
Experts also provided insights on Non-fertility focusing on preserving fertility for cancer patients and explored ways to improve reproductive healthcare access.
The Abuja Reproductive Health Week marks a significant step toward improving women’s health in the FCT, with experts hopeful that ongoing collaborations will lead to lasting advancements in reproductive healthcare.
