Niger

Taking stock: Ten years fighting fistula in Niger

Submitted by bhushan on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 09:19

Niger’s ten years of engagement in the fight against obstetric fistula has borne fruit, concluded a workshop held from 8 to 10 October 2013 in the capital Niamey. Organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, the even gathered more than 70 health professionals and partners working to end obstetric fistula in several countries.

My Journey as a Fistula Champion

Obstetric fistula entered my life when I was 12 years old.

It was my final year in primary school, and I was embarking on a study of my West African roots when I came upon a story in the Wall Street Journal about a young Tuareg girl in Niger named Anafghat Ayouba.

The story began with Anafghat as a pre-teen, around the same age I was. She was married by age 11, had a stillborn child a few years later, and developed obstetric fistula. I was shocked to learn about fistula’s devastating impact on Anafghat, her life and her future. Fortunately, she received treatment.