Nollywood Actress Stephanie Okereke Linus has took Fistula advocacy campaign to the nooks and crannies of Sokoto state in order to end the suffering of girls and women who are left incontinent as a result of this disease.
The UNFPA Ambassador for Health in West and Central Africa, Stephanie revealed that the campaign is important as it will not only take place in regions with the highest prevelence rate of fistula.
But also includes meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, policy makers, women leaders and other stakeholders who are tasked with creating policies and encouraging lifestyles that directly affect their communities.
While delivering her message, Stephanie also screened her award-winning movie, Dry; a masterpiece that connects the dots between underage marriage, poor maternal health and fistula. The movie which has now been translated into Hausa appealed to the local audience.
The awareness campaign also included visits to fistula hospitals where she had discussions with various doctors, nurses, fistula patients and health workers.
The UNFPA has been at the forefront in tackling this issue, spearheading several outreach programs and putting its full weight behind campaigns such as this.
The organization is also credited with ensuring the message of the movie gets to every relevant community.
For Mrs. Linus, ‘Dry’ has taken on a life of its own and continues to take her around the world. “‘Dry’ is more than just a movie,” she said.
“It is a movement, and the plight of the girl child is a cause I must continue fighting for. I’m not slowing down anytime soon.”