Djamma

Djamma is 50 years old and has been leaking from a fistula for 15 years!!! Her husband left her and remarried. He kept Djamma's 3 children; she went home to her parent's village and has remained there all these years. Djamma's children would visit her during the year as their village was not far away from Djamma's parent's home. Not having a choice, and not being able to support her children, Djamma accepted this way of life.

But one day, one of her children - now grown - heard a radio announcement about the American doctors at the National Hospital. The children sold tomatoes to raise money for Djamma's transportation to Niamey! Dr. Chesson and Dr. Conley changed Djamma's life forever - by repairing her fistula. She is a quiet, shy woman, but Djamma became very animated when she happily told us she would be going home to live with her son now that she was dry! And then, she cried.

IOWD nurse's aide, Mariama, helping patient, Djamma.

Djamma: Overhwelmed when telling us she will go to live with her son.

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