A Collaborative Network to Improve Access to Fistula Treatment in Nigeria

Simply training surgeons in fistula repair is necessary but not sufficient to ensure that such services are provided within a health system. Thus, Fistula Care/Nigeria facilitated the formation of a clinical peer-support network to increase women’s access to repair services and standardize and improve the quality of services across facilities. This provider network is supported by two complementary strategies: periodic pooled repair efforts, and quarterly professional retreats to discuss clinical issues. This brief focuses on the pooled effort strategy.