Haoua
Haoua, 22 years old, was in labour for 7 days in her Grandmother's house.
On the 7th day, family members carried her to the clinic - but it was too late for Haoua and her baby. The infant was stillborn and Haoua had experienced terrible damage to her body from 7 painful days of unattended labour. Leaking urine from a fistula, Haoua managed to get to the National Hospital in late November of 2003. In April of 2004, after extensive surgery by American surgeons, Haoua was well again. She stayed in the hospital until June, when Haoua was discharged.
Haoua returned to the Hospital for a follow-up exam. Everything was fine for her medically - but Haoua stayed to visit with her old friends in the courtyard. One particular day, Haoua walked with the doctors as they were doing their rounds. As the doctors were handing medications to the women, Haoua promptly took water and gently lifted each girl's head and helped them to swallow the pills. Haoua now assists in the care of other fistla patients in the hospital.
She helps the girls with their medications, she reminds them to drink all day long and she helps them to get up and walk. If a patient doesn't feel well, they tell Haoua and she reports the problem. The Director of the Hospital, Dr. Sabou has given Haoua permission to live in the Hospital - she also has food provided for her by the hospital! When Haoua is not helping the fistula patients, she spends time with Rebecca, learning how to read and write! Ten months after coming to the National Hospital, this pretty, vivacious young girl, is no longer leaking urine - she has a paying job and a bright future! We are hoping there will be many other stories like this one.
