Anafghat Ayouba was from Tarbiyat in Niger, West Africa. She was a courageous young woman who suffered an obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula is a tragic injury that occurs when a baby has difficulties leaving the mother’s birth canal during childbirth. The baby ends up still born, while the mother is left with uncontrolled discharge of urine or feces.

Anafghat’s four-day labour meant that her baby was stuck in her birth canal and kept on pushing and pushing in an attempt to get out. There were no midwives or doctors nearby to help her, nor was she close to any hospitals or medical facilities. Finally, her father managed to get her to the National Hospital in the capital city, Niamey. At the hospital, Anafghat met a lovely team of fistula surgeons who repaired her obstetric fistula. Unfortunately, her baby boy was born dead. In an obstructed labour that results in a fistula, the baby cuts off the connection between the uterine artery and the uterus. It is the uterine artery that supplies the baby with oxygen while it is in the stomach. In other words, Anafghat’s baby cut off its own oxygen supply, as he pushed his way out of her stomach.

As a result of the baby pushing, Anafghat developed a fistula, or a hole, between her vagina and bladder. This causes uncontrollable leakage of urine. Hospital staff lauded Anafghat’s perseverance while she was undergoing surgery. Apparently, she was encouraging the staff while they treated her.

When I was 12 years old, I read about Anafghat in an article I found online. I was so riveted by her story. Although separated by distance, Anafghat and I had so much in common. Like her, I am of West African background and I happened to be around the same age as her when she developed fistula. From the article, I learned that Anafghat returned to school once her fistula was repaired and that she became a catalyst for change in her community. She was such an inspiration for her own sisters and fellow classmates that they soon dubbed her “the college student,” because she excelled in her studies. Anafghat was passionate about education for women and girls, and ensuring that women were supported during childbirth. She even spoke on her local radio about fistula and issues of women’s health. Anafghat, as said in her own words, wanted to be “A doctor, and an important woman.” 

When I learned that Anafghat died from complications of an infection three years following her treatment, I was heartbroken. I cried for her. Still, Anafghat has succeeded. She has succeeded in leaving behind her legacy of courage and determination. Anafghat was a trailblazer. She is the reason for the awareness building around fistula that I do today. Anafghat’s struggle is not in vain, and we can work to make sure that the lives of other women and girls will not be hindered by obstetric fistula. I salute you Anafghat.