The West African nation of Niger has begun significant strides against obstetric fistula, however, the scope of the problem in this region is immense.  Niger has both the highest fertility rate and one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, yet it is one of the world's poorest countries. There are an estimated 100,000 girls and women living in Niger that already suffer from obstetric fistulas and there are approximately 8,000 new cases each year. Young age at pregnancy predisposes girls to developing fistulas and in Niger more than one-third (36%) of girls 15-19 have already been pregnant and/or have children.   

 For years, WFF has been seeking the right time and the right place to open a fistula treatment and training center that offers a full range of comprehensive services to women suffering from fistula,.  It will be a place where surgeons can gain the skills that they need to help the thousands of other women around the world with fistula and a place dedicated to expanding our knowledge of what constitutes the safest, most effective, most efficient care possible for women with fistulas.  We have found that place in Danja, Niger.

Experience in other settings strongly suggests that fistula patients need special, dedicated facilities to receive optimum care.  Therefore, WFF is establishing a center devoted exclusively to that need at the Centre de Sante et de Leprologie (CSL) in Danja.  CSL was founded in Danja as a safe haven for victims of leprosy.  Medical facilities already exist in Danja and the hospital has a good local reputation extending over 50 years, which makes the site ideal for construction on a Model Fistula Surgery and Training Center adjacent to the established hospital. Our major partners for this project include SIM and The Leprosy Mission.  

Our hopes for establishing a Model Fistula Surgery and Training Center have been made possible through the generous financial and organizational support from Merrill Lynch, one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies with strong corporate citizenship values.  

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

Please help us bring hope to women with fistula in Niger by supporting the WFF Fistula Center.  

The Project Plan

Specific Needs