Benin

Benin is a multi party democracy situated between Nigeria and Togo on the West African coast. It is one of Africa’s largest cotton producers. The large disparity in literacy between women and men in Benin suggests that women have a lower status. This has an effect on women’s access to health services, with a range of troubling consequences, including obstetric fistula.

Fistula Care activities in Benin are implemented by Mercy Ships International, which operates a floating hospital, the Africa Mercy, which is moored in Cotonou, Benin, from February through December 2009.

The Africa Mercy

The Africa Mercy is the world’s largest nongovernment hospital ship. A floating medical facility with 78 beds and six operating theaters, it provides a range of surgical services to the populations near where it moors. The Africa Mercy has provided fistula repair in numerous West African ports since 2001, when Mercy Ships International received a request from the government of Sierra Leone for this service. The Africa Mercy has a volunteer staff of 450 from more than 30 countries. Referrals from partner organizations direct women with fistula to seek repair on board the ship.

Program Results

From July 2008 to June 2009:

• A total of 105 women have received fistula repair
• Five doctors and three nurses were trained in fistula repair surgery

Program Activities

Strengthening services

The Africa Mercy provides training for fistula surgeons who wish to build their skills. Priority is given to African doctors, to build capacity across the continent for local facilities to address the fistula burden. The Africa Mercy collaborates with local organizations and institutions to identify fistula cases. In many instances, it provides surgical services to patients with more complex cases who have not had successful initial surgeries.

Improving fistula prevention

The Africa Mercy International works with local organizations wherever it moors to promote safe motherhood.