#6

In Africa and Asia alone, almost two million girls and women are suffering from a post labor condition called a fistula. Fistulas happen when the uterus is too small for the baby, allowing other organs and tissue to be crushed by the skull. The tissue dies, leaving a hole in the bladder that urine uncontrollably comes out of. Some women also have it in their rectums as well as nerve damage in their legs. In tribal villages these women are often rejected because of the smell or the work that must be done to wash their garments-just adding to their pain. Lucky for some Tanzanian girls and women, the African Medical and Research Foundation or AMREF is funding about 20 operations to repair fistulas. These girls now have hope for a regular life without a condition that affects every part of them. Operations in remote parts of Africa can be risky, because of a low blood supply, untrustworthy electricity and a small team of doctors. Even the smaller chance of success gives hope to the women who have struggled with fistulas since childbirth.

Grady, Denise. "After a Destavating Birth Injury, Hope". New York Times. 9 February 2009.