Archive - U.S. Agency for International Development

Fistula Care Plus Improves Women's Lives in Bangladesh

Speeches Shim

Fistula Care Plus Improves Women's Lives in Bangladesh: Fistula Ward

Outside the fistula ward at Kundumini hospital in Bangladesh.

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Fistula Care Plus trains doctors and nurses to perform fistula surgery and works in communities to prevent fistulas through voluntary family planning and access to quality, timely care during delivery. Photo credit: Amy Fowler/USAID.

Fistula Care Plus Improves Women's Lives in Bangladesh: Inside the Fistula Ward

Women lying on beds in the fistula ward at Kundumini hospital in Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, more than 70,000 women have fistulas, and every year 2,000 more women develop them. Fistula Care Plus and other USAID-supported projects have repaired over 36,000 fistulas around the world since 2005. Meet a few women now living fistula. Photo credit: Amy Fowler/USAID.

Fistula Care Plus Improves Women's Lives in Bangladesh: Fistula Care - Hosnera

Hosnera, a housewife, who experienced two stillbirths, has one child.

Hosnera had a fistula for 10 years. Shehad a fistula repair surgery, but due to the complicated nature of hers, it was unsuccessful. With training from Fistula Care Plus, doctors at Kumundini Hospital were able to successfully perform the surgery. Photo credit: Amy Fowler/USAID.

Fistula Care Plus Improves Women's Lives in Bangladesh: Fistula Care - Chandana

Chandana is 30 years old and has had fistula for 15 years.

Chandana is 30 years old and had a fistula for 15 years. She heard about fistula repair surgery from a neighbor and traveled far to receive it. Chandana’s first husband left her due to the fistula, so she is now the second wife to her current husband. Photo credit: Amy Fowler/USAID.

Fistula Care Plus Improves Women's Lives in Bangladesh: Fistula Care - Juliana

Juliana received surgery for her fistula

Juliana had a fistula for 14 years. Her husband, a farmer, has stayed with her, and they have 2 children. Her surgery was 16 days ago. She is looking forward to a better life without fistula when she returns home. Photo credit: Amy Fowler/USAID.

Fistula Care Plus Improves Women's Lives in Bangladesh: Fistula Care - Sukuri

Prior to this one, Sukuri had two unsuccessful operations to repair a large fistula she has had for 13 years. Her husband left due to her fistula, but he has come back repeatedly because of their child. Sukuri is anxious to have another child with him. Photo credit: Amy Fowler/USAID.

1 of 6