We expect this will be the first contribution of many to support fistula repair services in centers throughout the country.

It was great to be able see the supplies on both sides of the world – first at headquarters in Santa Barbara, Calif. and then more than 7,000 miles away in Niger, the country that ranks second to last in the world on the Human Development Index, a composite measure of health, education, and income.

Dr. Sanda Ganda, the lead surgeon at CNRFO, told me he was happy to receive these supplies and that they are of superior quality. Dr. Sanda estimates that 360 women will receive treatment for obstetric fistula at this center in 2014.

Present at the hand-over were representatives from Her Excellency the First Lady of Niger and the Guri Foundation; the Director General of Reproductive Health from the Ministry of Health; representatives from Direct Relief’s local partner Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA); and 61 women who have received treatment at the Center.

The fistula ladies joined the group for a photo and were happy in the ward when we did a round, showing off their handicraft skills they learned through the Center.

The post From the Field: Fistula Repair Supplies Arrive in Niger appeared first on Direct Relief.

The Executive Director responded to Direct Relief’s donation by saying “I want to give a HUGE thank you for the incredibly generous supply procurement and shipment. All of the goods look great.  We couldn’t do the work in Niger without Direct Relief International’s continued support and are so thankful for the collaboration.”

About 2 million women worldwide live with obstetric fistula (a severe medical condition in which a fistula (hole) develops after severe or failed childbirth, when adequate medical care is not available).

Women who develop fistula are left with chronic incontinence, the odor of which often humiliates and stigmatizes the woman, adding to the grief she feels from the physical injury and loss of her baby in delivery. Additionally, she is often shunned from her community. Fifty thousand new cases are reported each year, though many are never counted.

Fistula repair surgery provides an opportunity to women that have in many cases been living with the devestating condition for years or even decades. The rate of success for repair on the first attempt can be as high as 90 percent. A successful surgery restores a woman’s dignity and livelihood.

The post Congratulations Worldwide Fistula Fund! appeared first on Direct Relief.