The West African nation of Niger has made significant strides against VVF, with two active centers in Niamey and another in the city of Zinder.  But the problem of maternal injury in this country remains overwhelming.  WFF has an amazing opportunity to expand fistula services for the women of Niger.

Experts have come to recognize that women with fistula need far more help than simply providing curative surgery.  Women returning home after surgery often need to have a skill to support themselves financially.  They have endured emotional and social trauma and need to have skilled intervention in order to re-enter their society. 

We also know that many aspects of the care of women with fistula need further study so that we can base our approach on sound clinical evidence rather than simply following tradition. 

Although we still do not know how many women suffer with fistula around the world, the number of patients far outstrips the capacity for care.  The need for trained surgeons is tremendous, but very few places offer comprehensive training. 

Finally, we need methods for preventing fistula that can be measured and proven effective so that we can be more effective in stopping the fistula epidemic. 

For years WFF has been looking for the right time and the right place to open a Center that offers a full range of whole-person services to women with fistula, a place where surgeons can gain the skills that they need to help thousands of other women with fistula, a place dedicated to expanding our knowledge that will  allow us to deliver the safest, most effective, and most efficient care possible. 

CSL (Centre de Sante et de Leprologie) Danja was founded more than 50 years ago as a safe haven for victims of leprosy.  WFF will soon begin construction on a new VVF Center adjacent to the established leprosy work at Danja.  Our major partners for this project include Merrill Lynch, SIM, and the Leprosy Mission.  

CSL Danja already has innovative programs in place for rehabilitation and social reintegration that can be easily transferred to the needs of our patients with fistula.  TLM/SIM's whole-person approach to leprosy care resonates with our philosophy of care for the VVF victim.  There is ample room for our Center to grow.  This part of sub-Saharan African probably has the highest number of VVF sufferers in the world.    

The Project Plan

Specific Needs