Niger

Niger, a landlocked West African nation, relies on farming, herding, trading, seasonal migration, and informal markets to support its people. It has one of the hottest climates in the world, and only 15% of its land is suitable for livestock and agriculture. Frequent drought, desertification, and unsustainable population growth contribute to its economic hardship. Health care services are limited and the country has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the world: One in seven women die in pregnancy or childbirth.

In Niger, EngenderHealth works to prevent and treat obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury, at four public hospitals:

• Lamordé National Hospital
• Maradi Regional Hospital
• Dosso Regional Hospital
• La Maternité Issaka Gazoby

 These activities are implemented by the national Fistula Eradication Network, though the EngenderHealth-led Fistula Care Project.

The project enhances the capacity of the hospitals to provide surgical repair for fistula. Nurses are trained in counseling and treating fistula clients, and through ongoing training and supervision, doctors continue to develop new skills in performing more complex surgeries.

To prevent fistula, the project raises awareness of fistula in communities and helps community members come up with solutions for the maternal health challenges they face.

Community leaders and members of the health management committees from local clinics now work together, discussing challenges and creating action plans to ensure that women can access emergency obstetric care in their hour of need.