Blessing Ekanem, a patient at Pope John Paul II, Family Life Centre/VVF Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has narrated how she got pregnant at the age of 13 and had seven reconstructive surgeries without solution.
Miss Ekanem, 20, who made the disclosure in Uyo while receiving medical assistance from the Governor’s wife, said she was suffering from obstetrics injuries and needed urgent surgery.
The Governor’s wife had visited the centre to present medical equipment on behalf of the Esop Mbong Ibaan Akwa Ibom, Dallas, USA and found the case of Miss Ekanem.
The First Lady said it was abnormal for young girls to be suffering from such diseases and charged all the patients not to go back to their old ways after their treatments.
She said, “I deliberately called you children earlier because the reason why you are here today is not as a result of childish behaviours but because the mistake has been done and you are here.
“God is now giving you a second chance. when God stands by you and this machine is used to treat you and you recover, do not go back to your old ways.
“If this hospital were to buy the equipment, I am not sure they will readily afford it, but the grace of God is all sufficient that God has inspired somebody all the way from United States of America to send this down to you.
“We say may God bless her, wherever she is, whatever she does, God bless and prosper her.’’
In her welcome address, the administrator of the centre, Rev. Sis. Rosemary Akpa said the idea of Family Life Centre/VVF Hospital was the initiative of Dr. Ann Ward, who until her demise was an obstetrician/gynaecologist and a member of the Medical Missionaries of Mary who dedicated her life to serving humanity.
She reeled out a brief statistics of the hospital in the last five years, saying they have carried out a total of 506 repairs out of which 416 patients are from Akwa Ibom State, while 90 are from other parts of the country.
The administrator, who thanked the Governor’s wife for coming to visit the hospital and Esop Mbong Ibaan Akwa Ibom for supplying the medical equipment, highlighted the challenges facing the hospital to include lack of power supply, funding and renovation of facilities.
Some of the survivors of VVF, including Happiness Udoudo of Ikono LGA, shared their pathetic experience and the support received from the officials of the health facility.
