Delivering Hope in Nigeria
In her third trip to Nigeria as Spokesperson for the Campaign to End Fistula, Natalie Imbruglia saw first-hand how funds she raised are making a difference in the lives of women and their communities.

During her three-day visit in December 2007, Ms. Imbruglia met community and religious leaders, health providers and high-level government officials. She also heard from patients awaiting surgery and from those who had already received treatment.

“I interviewed the most wonderful woman who had developed fistula during her eleventh pregnancy,” said Imbruglia, following a visit to the Kankara community in Katsina State. “After a successful surgery and a stay at the nearby rehabilitation centre, she has been involved in our outreach programme, teaching others that fistula is preventable and treatable.”

While in Kano, Ms. Imbruglia returned to Kwalli Rehabilitation Centre, where she received a warm welcome from resident patients. “As we entered the centre, they broke out into a joyful song about the improvements we’ve made, such as new mattresses and sheets,” she said. The Kwalli facility provides skills training to recovering fistula patients to help them become economically independent.

By all accounts, the project in Nigeria is off to a good start. “The overwhelming feeling for all of us has been the warmth, hope and love we found around these families and their communities,” said Ms. Imbruglia, following her visit to the Nassarawa community in Kano State. “They don’t have many possessions, but they are rich in ways we could only imagine. It’s very inspiring.”

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