Dr Sadiya Nasir: A journey with FIGO and a vision for a fistula-free future
Dr Sadiya Nasir first joined FIGO in 2013 as the first fellow to graduate from the fistula surgery training programme.
Her remarkable journey from trainee to trainer and Expert Advisory Group (EAG) member reflects her dedication to advancing fistula care and empowering women worldwide. In this article, she shares her experiences, challenges and vision for a fistula-free future.
A source of pride: FIGO’s training achievements
My involvement with FIGO began in 2013 through Dr Kees Waaldijk, who facilitated my initial training placement. Since then, my relationship with the organisation has grown significantly. I am now proud to serve as both a trainer and a member of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG).
I am most proud of FIGO’s achievement in training fellows who bring hope and smiles to women affected by fistula through successful surgical repair. This initiative has empowered a new generation of skilled professionals dedicated to restoring dignity and improving the lives of countless women.
Coming from the northwestern region of Nigeria, where fistula prevalence is high and there was once a severe shortage of skilled fistula surgeons and treatment centres, I was inspired to partner with FIGO. I wanted to help bridge this gap by gaining specialised skills and contributing to accessible, quality care for women affected by fistula in my community.
The challenges in women’s health
The biggest challenges to improving the health and rights of women, girls and newborns worldwide are the limited access to emergency healthcare services, high out-of-pocket healthcare costs and pervasive poverty. In Nigeria, these issues hinder progress, making it essential to address both healthcare accessibility and affordability to drive meaningful change. In the next 30 years, I would like to see FIGO achieve a world free of fistula through targeted interventions.
I would advise my colleagues to cultivate a genuine interest and passion for this work, as there is little financial incentive in fistula care. The true reward comes from the success of a repair—when a patient can return home, happy and ready to reunite with their family.
A memorable case that shaped Dr Nasir’s approach to care
A memorable case that significantly shaped my approach to patient care occurred early in my career as a fistula surgeon. I attended a 33-year-old woman, who presented a history of urinary leakage following an obstructed labour, which resulted in a ruptured uterus. She had undergone a caesarean hysterectomy, and the baby was stillborn. Upon presentation, she was depressed, speaking irrationally, and was diagnosed with a combination of complex, large vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), rectovaginal fistula (RVF) and bilateral ureteric fistulas.
After a series of interventions, she was eventually discharged, though with residual postoperative incontinence and an irreparable RVF. Due to her ongoing depression, she was referred to a psychiatric hospital but, tragically, she was later reported to have passed away. This case taught me a crucial lesson: the importance of treating the whole patient, not just the fistula. It emphasised the need to address both physical and psychological aspects of patient care.
FIGO is more than just an organisation—it is a community dedicated to transforming lives. By showcasing our collective work, we highlight the progress being made in our ongoing efforts to improve women's health.
Find out more about the Fistula Surgery Training Initiative.