Haoua, a 29 year old former fistula patient has been at the National Hospital for a long time, living in the Courtyard and selling soap to earn money.

She was 13 years old when she married. Haoua told her story with great care, wanting us to understand what she had experienced. She told us her first delivery was at 14 years old...she had been in hard labor for 3 days in her mother's house. Barely conscious, her husband finally took her to a clinic. Her baby was dead and Haoua had a fistula. Her mother brought her to Niamey for help and Haoua never saw her husband again! Before finally coming to the National Hospital, Haoua had 6 operations...going home to her mother's house inbetween these surgeries. It was her mother who took care of her for so many years, but now, as her eyes filled with tears, sobbing, Haoua told us that her Mother died...and now she had no one. It was after the death of her Mom, that Haoua came to the National for good. Although she has been repaired by IOWD doctors, Haoua remained at the National hospital Courtyard. Where else could she go????

Mariama suggested that we ask Haoua to work with us in the care of the fistula patients. Haoua happily accepted our offer ... and now, she works hard to help the patients. Haoua is doing a remarkable job!!!

Haoua helping Nigerien medical student, Raina. Both young women were working with the fistula patients in the wards.	Haoua with her good friend Mariama.
Haoua tending to patient.

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