Operation New Life - Background Information

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More than 200,000 young women in the West African country of Niger suffer from vesico vaginal fistula. This medical condition is caused by a prolonged obstructed labour where there is no medical assistance. Simplistically put, the wall between the bladder and vagina is damaged by the prolonged pressure of the baby's head and a fistula or hole develops. Consequently the women leak urine. In some cases the rectal wall is damaged and there is no control of faeces and the women are left doubly incontinent. Following an agonizing labour, which can last for up to a week, most of the babies are born dead.

For these young women life is filled with humiliation discomfort and shame due to their inability to control their urine and faeces. They are no longer wanted, they are ostracised by their husbands, families and even their villages. Many are homeless and are forced to live a life of isolation and extreme poverty. They are societys' outcasts, living in shame. Because of their condition these women are known as the 'lepers of the desert'.

A combination of poverty, and social and religious traditions in the region creates a high number of early marriages. Consequently many are giving birth during puberty, some as young as 10 years of age.