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In 1959, Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin began a journey that they thought would last three years and help a handful of women. Instead, they would forever change the maternal health landscape of Ethiopia. The Hamlin team has now treated over 60,000 women and the Hamlin Model of Care is a recognised treatment and rehabilitation program that is being replicated throughout the world.
In FY2018, 1,023 women underwent major fistula repairs by Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. Across the Hamlin hospital network, 550 Ethiopian staff continue to ensure that every patient receives a customised program that includes nutrition, physiotherapy, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
Catherine was a pioneer when it came to innovation in the surgical treatment of fistula. Today, surgeons of many nationalities still travel to Ethiopia to train at Hamlin’s internationally recognised Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
At the same time, the number of women dying from childbirth in Ethiopia continues to decline. Catherine’s advocacy for skilled maternity care has been a major contributor, as has the Hamlin College of Midwives. To date, 145 midwives have graduated, and 92 are currently studying with scholarships funded by IMC Asia Pacific and other Australian friends and donors.
In our recent 2018 Year in Review newsletter, we reported that Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has 45 midwifery clinics with the hope of increasing numbers in the next four years.
We are so happy to report we now have over 50 Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics. If you supported our Christmas Appeal this achievement is also thanks to you. The Hamlin team has been busy!
Catherine and her late husband Reg launched this world-renowned network, which has seen people like you be part of a growing movement. 60,000 women have been healed since their arrival in 1959, let’s keep this momentum to achieve Catherine’s dream of a fistula-free world by 2030.
