The Hidden Costs of Fistula Repair Surgery

Originally authored by Bianca Devoto for the USAID Impact Blog.  A few months after becoming pregnant with her first child, Edisa’s husband unexpectedly passed away. In need of transportation to reach the closest health facility, and without family nearby, Edisa went into labor at home. Friends and neighbors contributed money for her transportation to a local hospital, […]

Press 1 for Yes, 2 for No: How digital health platforms connect women to maternal health services

Co-authored by Elly Arnoff, FC+ Program Associate for Evaluation and Research and Lauren Bellhouse, consultant and former FC+ Senior Program Associate. What can a mobile phone do to help connect women with fistula treatment services? Fistula Care Plus (FC+) is partnering with Viamo to provide a free phone hotline that screens women for fistula. Using […]

Fatima’s Story

Authored by Zoë Connor (Health Research Intern, USAID) At 18, Fatima looks like any other mother-to-be – excited for her baby to be born and to start a new chapter of her life. Yet this is not Fatima’s first pregnancy. Married young and pregnant by 15, Fatima suffered a prolonged and obstructed labor with her […]

Nigeria to Mark International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

PRESS RELEASE: Abuja, Nigeria – May 23 marks the annual International Day to End Fistula (IDEOF). Set aside by the United Nations, the day is meant to rally support and draw attention to activities targeting the elimination of fistula around the world. Annual commemorations help to raise awareness and remove taboos and misconceptions around fistula, […]