Chaltu doesn’t know when her birthday is; she estimates that she is 20 years old. Unfortunately, Chaltu does know, all too well, the agony of obstetric fistula. Chaltu’s story is far too common in remote Ethiopia: a lack of resources and information condemning women to suffer the preventable tragedy of fistula. At the time of […]...
Etagegn’s story is one of heartbreaking lows and hopeful highs: from a remote village near Limmu in the Oromiya Region, to the agony of obstetric fistula, to the optimism of a life restored after being lovingly cared for at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. The agony of fistula Etagegn is no stranger to tragedy. When […]...
The extraordinary medical professionals at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia have made significant progress over the last few months, despite the enormous challenges they have faced. ...
A community of women in Newcastle, New South Wales have joined forces to support women in need in Ethiopia. Through a gold coin donation at their weekly community yoga sessions, the Merewether Community Stretch Yoga group has raised close to $10,000 for Hamlin patients suffering from obstetric fistula! Getting active as a community Founded in […]...
It started with two women reading a book and flourished into a community working together in support of vulnerable women on the other side of the world. The Garrard family and their friends worked together, and apart, to knit two colourful blankets in support of the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation and Dr Catherine Hamlin’s vision […]...
Prilli Stevens was the Chief Professional Nurse in the Stoma Therapy Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa; she retired in 2005. Prilli first met Dr Catherine Hamlin in 1995. Below is the second instalment of Prilli Stevens’ account of working with Hamlin’s Stoma Therapy team at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. […]...
Dr Zehara Sualih, Medical Director and Surgeon at Hamlin’s Metu Fistula Hospital Dr Zehara Sualih is the Medical Director and Surgeon at Hamlin’s Metu Fistula Hospital. A trained obstetrician and gynaecologist, she is a valued member of Hamlin’s Clinical Team. Dr Zehara joined Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in January 2015, after previously working at the Metu […]...
In news direct from Addis Ababa, we are delighted to announce Mamitu Gashe’s return to surgery! Mamitu has been thriving, back in theatre. When she is not operating on fistula patients, Mamitu has been spending her time in the wards with patients. An excerpt from ‘Healing Lives’ The day after the final candlelit ceremony to […]...
“To send women home to experience a normal life, after all they have suffered, is the greatest reward we can have.” – Dr Catherine Hamlin Rehabilitation Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Rehabilitation and Reintegration centre, Desta Mender, embodies the Hamlin Model of Care, which is grounded in a fundamental respect for women with obstetric fistula injuries and […]...
“My dream is for a midwife in every village of Ethiopia.” – Dr Catherine Hamlin Prevention In FY20, Hamlin Midwives continued to prevent obstetric fistula and hundreds of maternal and neonatal deaths. They also support, nurture and empower women while sharing invaluable knowledge and building trusting networks, transforming entire communities in rural Ethiopia. The Prevention […]...
“I believe midwifery is the answer – to put a well-trained midwife in every village would eradicate obstetric fistula.” – Dr Catherine Hamlin One Hamlin Midwife: Mahlet Dedicated and passionate about improving women’s lives, Hamlin Midwife Mahlet graduated in 2016 and started working at a Hamlin-supported midwifery clinic in Amarit, near her hometown. Mahlet is one of […]...
“My dream is to eradicate obstetric fistula from Ethiopia. I won’t do this in my lifetime, but you can in yours.” – Dr Catherine Hamlin Treatment Obstetric fistula is a complex injury that requires special treatment and care. The physical and psychological consequences are both debilitating and heartbreaking. Yet, most fistula injuries can be repaired […]...
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