Why We Work in Niger
Niger is a large country covered by a harsh desert terrain. In 2018, it ranked dead last in the UN Human Development Index, a composite indicator of the development potential of the world’s 188 countries, combining life expectancy, education, and per capita income data.
Women in Niger are at particular risk for childbirth complications such as obstetric fistula due to broad socio-economic pressures. Female literacy rates are at 30%, and Niger’s fertility rate—at nearly seven children per woman—is the highest in the world. Early marriage and home deliveries are also common, resulting in one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
A substantial backlog of fistula patients exists throughout the country.
What You Help Us Do
We are investing in the following areas to build Niger’s in-country medical services and provide life-transforming surgery to as many women as possible:
Meet Our Partners
We identify local surgical teams in Niger already successfully treating women with fistula—and then work to amplify their efforts.
Danja Fistula Center
- Location: Danja
- Partner since: 2024
Kirker African Medical Relief Association (KAMRA)
- Location: Mainé-Soroa
- Partner In: 2012 – 2013
Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA International)
- Location: Zinder and Niamey
- Partner In: 2010
Worldwide Fistula Fund
- Location: Danja
- Partner In: 2011 – 2013
Below are funding totals since the start of each partnership.
Current Partners
- Danja Fistula Center: $310,250
Past Partners
- Kirker African Medical Relief Association (KAMRA): $52,515
- Women and Health Alliance International (WAHA International): $165,200
- Worldwide Fistula Fund: $150,000