Niger Republic has made significant strides towards combating obstetric fistula; however, the scope of the problem in this region is immense. Niger has both the highest fertility rate and one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, yet it is one of the world's poorest countries. At least 100,000 Nigerien women and girls already suffer from obstetric fistulas, with approximately 8,000 new cases each year. Childbirth at a young age predisposes adolescent girls to developing fistulas; in Niger more than one-third (36%) of girls ages 15-19 have already been pregnant and/or have children.
The fistula centre is expected to provide care for women with fistulas, train doctors from Niger and other African countries in fistula repair, and develop model community-based programmes to prevent prolonged obstructed labour - the major cause of fistula formation. The foundations for the fistula centre building are poured and ready for the next phase of construction.
Funding is now required for the next building stage and 
especially for some of the surgical equipment for the fistula centre, specifically three operating tables, six sets of portable operating room lights, and four sets of surgical instruments. While the building work is going on, The Worldwide Fistula Fund (WFF) surgeons will be coming to Danja in early December to begin doing obstetrical fistula repairs. The next planned visit is in March 2010.
The WFF surgeons will be making regular trips to Danja while the centre is constructed. They will be using CSL Danja's existing Operating Room which has been refurbished with a new operating table and light, anesthaesia machine, and a new steriliser. SIM is excited about this opportunity to minister to these women who are ostracised by society.
