Fistula patients eagerly await their surgeries outside the operating ward of the Birnin Kebbi VVF Centre. Red Cross volunteers and the patients celebrate by singing a joyous song and clapping.
After three gruelling days of labour, 18-year-old Rahamu gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. A week later, she started leaking urine. Rahamu's fistula was repaired at the Birnin Kebbi VVF Centre during the Feb. 2005 "Fistula Fortnight."
These photographs may be downloaded and reproduced for non-commercial purposes related to reproductive health, as long as the photographers are credited. For more information, email Micol Zarb at zarb.unfpa.org