Loving care after 25 years: Amina’s story

The horrific childbirth injury, obstetric fistula, stole Amina’s health and happiness for a staggering 25 years.

Amina lived a simple, happy life with her husband and three children in the small village of Guba Koricha, a six-hour walk from the nearest town. With no electricity, transport or medical services she gave birth to all her children at home, just like the other women in the village.

Tragically, the birth of Amina’s fourth child had complications. After an agonising 36 hours in labour, her baby was finally born but the birth caused a heartbreaking obstetric fistula injury that left Amina leaking urine.

The pain, shame and isolation that followed was nothing short of devastating for Amina.

Shortly after Amina sustained her fistula injury, she also lost her husband in an accident. She was left to care for her family and work on the small farm that was the source of their livelihood.

With every passing day, Amina’s hopes for a cure faded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=557jQEnNIfo

Found, treated and a life reclaimed

By the time Hamlin Patient Identification Officer, Mohammed, finally found Amina she had been living with her obstetric fistula injury for 25 long years.

Mohammed drove Amina and three other women suffering from obstetric fistula to Hamlin’s Harar Fistula Hospital for life-changing surgery.

On arrival, Amina was welcomed by the dedicated staff and given a Comfort Package to mark the start of her healing journey.

Every Hamlin Comfort Package includes:

• A beautiful Hamlin blanket lovingly made by a volunteer, to wrap a woman in love and care
• Hygiene items so a woman can keep herself fresh and clean, often for the first time in years
• A new nightgown and slippers, an utter luxury for a woman who arrives without shoes, wearing the only stained clothes she owns
• A lovely homecoming dress so a woman returns to her community looking and feeling like the new person she’s become.

Amina’s healing continued with fistula repair surgery by Hamlin fistula surgeon, Dr Leta and loving care to restore her dignity and confidence. She returned to her family and community with her health restored.

“This is an amazing place. For me the motherly care and love was like a cure. I had my first surgery and I am dry for the first time in 25 years.” – Amina

Amina was transported and treated by Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia entirely free of charge, thanks to the generosity of Hamlin supporters. 

Click here to donate today and help another woman, like Amina, reclaim her life.