Nigerian 'Fistula Fortnight'

On 21 February 2005, UNFPA and partners launched the “Fistula Fortnight,” a two-week advocacy, treatment and training project to address the problem of obstetric fistula in Nigeria. During the pilot initiative, Nigerian surgeons teamed with volunteer doctors from the US and UK at four medical centres in northern Nigeria. The result: 564 women with fistula were operated on, with an 87 per cent closure rate, and over 100 local providers were trained in fistula surgery, post-operative care and counselling. (Click for complete results).

More than 500 women and girls were surgically treated during the "Fistula Fortnight." Click here to read their stories.

The "Fistula Fortnight" was the result of a unique partnership between the Federal and State governments in Nigeria, UNFPA, Virgin Unite, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, VSO, health professionals and local NGOs. The project was part of the broader Campaign to End Fistula.

This Web page serves as an archive of the “Fistula Fortnight” event with a wide range of multimedia materials including: a Q&A on obstetric fistula; a press kit for journalists; a slide show of images from Babbar Ruga Hospital in Katsina; video clips of interviews with participating doctors and patients; high-resolution, downloadable photographs; a map indicating the location of the four treatment sites; and feature stories from our colleagues in the field.