About Us

Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation

Our vision is simple: To eradicate obstetric fistula. Forever

Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is an independent charity established in Australia to raise funds for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, in Ethiopia. Dr Catherine Hamlin was our Founder and Patron. We exist to fulfill her vision to eradicate obstetric fistula. Forever. 

While the eradication of fistula in Ethiopia once seemed impossible, it is becoming a reality that will be achieved due to the growing movement of generous supporters who are determined to see this dream come true.        

You can meet our Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation Board & CEO here.

Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia

For more than six decades Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has focussed on the treatment and prevention of one of the most horrific childbirth injuries – obstetric fistula. 

Today, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is a healthcare network of over 550 Ethiopian staff servicing six hospitals, Desta Mender rehabilitation centre, the Hamlin College of Midwives and 50 Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics. Hamlin is the reference organisation and leader in the fight to eradicate obstetric fistula around the world, blazing a trail for holistic treatment and care that empowers women to reassert their humanity, secure their health and well-being, and regain their roles in their families and communities.

The work of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is only possible thanks to generous donors around the world. We won’t stop until fistula is eradicated. Forever.

You can meet the Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia Board & CEO here.

The Need in Ethiopia

According to UNFPA’s State of the World Population Report 2021, in Ethiopia 401 mothers die for every 100,000 births. In Australia, it is 6. 

Over 70% of Ethiopian women are still giving birth at home without a skilled birth attendant nearby and Ethiopia’s enormous population of 115 million makes servicing quality healthcare to all a challenge.  

Obstetric fistula is virtually a thing of the past in Australia.  But in rural Ethiopia, where women have little or no access to maternal healthcare, they can be in agonising labour for days if their birth is obstructed. They almost always lose their baby (in 93% of cases) and suffer horrific internal damage that leaves them unable to control their body waste. Often women are outcast by their family and community –  condemned to a life of shame and social isolation. 

No woman should have to suffer the pain and indignity of an obstetric fistula injury. With access to adequate healthcare, they don’t have to. 

With support from the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is dedicated to eradicating fistula forever and giving these women back their life and dignity.

Find our general brochure below.