Portrait of a young woman awaiting fistula repair surgery at the Niamey National
Hospital in Niger. Women in the compound weave mats - like the one she is sitting on -
as an income-generating activity. March 2004.
Amina and her friend share a laugh in the fistula compound of the Niamey National Hospitalin Niger. Often ostracized by their communities, women in the compound find solace and comfort from others who share the same condition.
March 2003.
Portrait of a 45-year-old woman recovering from fistula surgery at the Niamey National Hospital. Zeinabou developed fistula after her fifth pregnancy. She is childless and lives with her mother in a small
hut in Bankliare, Niger. May 2004.
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