Ethiopia 
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While enormous progress has been made, more than 31,000 women in Ethiopia still live with an untreated obstetric fistula injury. And every year, another 1,000 new fistula cases will occur.
Through Project Zero we’ve made it our mission to bring this number down to zero, by focusing on identification, prevention, and education.
Join us as we roll out this life-changing project across the country and make Dr Catherine Hamlin’s vision of a Fistula-Free Ethiopia a reality.
Restoring Health and Dignity
At Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, we are dedicated to restoring the health and dignity of women who have survived a horrendous – and preventable – childbirth injury: obstetric fistula.
Over 63 years ago, Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin, started their extraordinary journey to Ethiopia, providing a lifetime quest of world-best treatment for women who suffered from an obstetric fistula. An internal injury caused by a prolonged, unrelieved obstructed labour, which leaves women incontinent, humiliated and cut off from their communities.
With a healthcare network of over 550 Ethiopian staff servicing hospitals, a rehabilitation and reintegration centre, the Hamlin College of Midwives and over 90 Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics.
The Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation raises funds for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. We have one purpose and one purpose only: eradicating fistula. Forever.
Ensure future generations of Ethiopian women live free from obstetric fistula
Leave a gift in your Will to continue Catherine’s journey.
The Tragedy of Obstetric Fistula
Imagine you are in labour, giving birth at home with no medical support. You are praying things will go well. They don’t. After four long days of excruciating obstructed labour, you give birth to a stillborn baby. On top of this grief, you find yourself unable to control your own body waste.
This is the tragic reality for too many Ethiopian women. Obstetric fistula is a nightmare.
Empowering Women
Nothing shows the impact of our work better than the stories of women who have had their dignity and life restored, thanks to the support.
See the impact of your support
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Towards a fistula-free Ethiopia
The Hamlin Model of Care
Dr Catherine Hamlin had unending love for Ethiopia’s women. Based on her core values, the Hamlin Model of Care is grounded in a fundamental respect for every patient and a commitment to provide complete and compassionate care.
Treating Patients
An obstetric fistula can usually be repaired with a single life-changing surgery. The Hamlin clinical team is globally renowned for its fistula-repair treatment technique, training surgeons from all over the world.
Future Prevention
The key to a fistula-free Ethiopia, lies in preventative measures. The Hamlin College of Midwives trains and deploys midwives to work in remote areas of Ethiopia – preventing fistula injuries in the first place.
Rehabilitation
Fistula leaves physical and emotional scars. Surgical treatment at Hamlin is supplemented with physiotherapy and counselling to help recovering patients regain their physical and mental health.
The Hamlin Shop
Discover our gorgeous range of ethical gifts. When you make a purchase at the Hamlin Shop, you are supporting Fairtrade artisans and Ethiopian women with fistula.
Read our Hamlin Blog
Project Zero to be rolled out in 2024 following a hugely successful pilot
Project Zero’s pilot has concluded to huge success. Expect more woredas to be rolled out in 2024.
7 December, 2023
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More women to receive rehabilitation services from 2024
Each Hamlin hospital will establish its own Multi-Disciplinary Team to expand its counselling, mental health, and social support services.
4 December, 2023
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Empowering women – 60 years of restorative care
For over 60 years, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has been empowering women through fistula repair surgery and the restorative Hamlin Model of Care.
4 December, 2023
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Meet Konjit, the new Dean of the Hamlin College of Midwives
Konjit is the Dean and Prevention Manager of the Hamlin College of Midwives. She shares her experiences during her first year in the role.
4 December, 2023
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Hamlin College of Midwives: Class of 2023
Since opening in 2007, 256 Hamlin Midwives have graduated from The Hamlin College of Midwives and been deployed to rural areas.
4 December, 2023
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