Dr. Itengré Ouédraogo is a trained surgeon and a FIGO-certified expert and trainer in obstetric fistula surgery. He also serves as a medical advisor for the Fistula Foundation.

After completing his primary education in Burkina Faso, Dr. Itengré Ouédraogo pursued his studies in Cuba from 1986 to 2004, where he obtained a Doctor of Medicine degree, a specialization in general surgery, and a diploma in urogynecological surgery.

Throughout his career, in response to the need to provide comprehensive services aligned with his commitment, he also obtained a certificate in Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC), a university diploma (DU) in epidemiology, and a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid.

Since 2013, he has been certified as an expert in obstetric fistula surgery.

Upon returning to Burkina Faso in 2004, he was assigned to the Sourou Sanou University Hospital Center (CHUSS) in Bobo-Dioulasso, where he worked as a general surgeon from 2004 to 2005.

In 2006, he joined the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program under the project “Strengthening Local Capacities for the Achievement of MDG 5” in Niger. There, he served as a technical assistant surgeon for UNFPA at the district hospital of Gouré. He was involved in surgical care, continuous training of local healthcare staff in maternal health, and the management of obstetric complications. It was during this time that he took his first steps in caring for women suffering from obstetric fistula. He notably conducted a study aimed at understanding the factors associated with difficulties in accessing quality obstetric care for women in rural areas.

It was during his stay in Niger that he met Professor Lewis Wall, founder of the Worldwide Fistula Fund (WFF), and Dr. Steven Arrowsmith. This encounter marked a turning point in his career, as they later became his mentors in obstetric fistula surgery and in the development of programs providing holistic care to affected women.

In December 2011, he left the United Nations to join the Society for International Ministries (SIM), together with his wife Rasmata, in response to a calling to serve women suffering from obstetric fistula. From February 2012 to August 2017, he served as the Medical Director of the Danja Fistula Center in Niger, a center of excellence established by SIM and WFF. There, he performed surgeries, trained healthcare personnel, and mentored doctors in fistula surgery.

In addition to his work in Niger, Dr. Ouédraogo carried out missions related to fistula treatment in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Chad. He also served with Mercy Ships (the hospital ship) in Congo, Madagascar, and Guinea.

However, a vision had begun to grow in his heart: to contribute to the development of his home country. On August 31, 2017, he left Niger and returned to Burkina Faso. The Renaissance Association (ARENA) had already been established in November 2015, following field studies and consultations with key stakeholders, which confirmed the need for a center of excellence dedicated to the care of women suffering from obstetric fistula in Burkina Faso.

ARENA, whose members believe in the necessity of access to dignity for all and in restoring family integrity through the treatment and empowerment of women who have become “outcasts” due to fistula, finally had the opportunity to put experience and expertise at the service of women’s health.

This is truly “a calling beyond one’s own strength,” but:

“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:5