Overcoming Obstetric Fistula: Dinah’s Story

For young women like Dinah, the social isolation that comes with an obstetric fistula injury is as traumatic as the injury itself. It marks the end of life as they know it as they are cut off from everyone and everything they have ever known and loved. 

Dinah suffered for five years with a devastating childbirth injury. She lives in Girji Woreda (district) and, during a gruelling 12-hour labour at home, she sustained an obstetric fistula injury. She was taken to the nearest health centre, followed by a rural hospital, but tragically Dinah’s baby was stillborn. She recalls:

“I was isolated from my family and neighbours. I had to stop my education and I departed from social life. My incontinence also led to the breakdown of my marriage.” – Dinah

More than a physical injury

Repairing a woman’s obstetric fistula injury is not the end of her story. Many are forced to live on the edge of society due to their foul smell and the community’s mistaken belief that the condition is ‘a curse’.

The impact of obstetric fistula goes much deeper than physical injuries. It often also carries the grief of losing a child and the trauma of isolation and shame.

Hamlin’s Model of Care

Dr Catherine Hamlin developed the Hamlin Model of Care over 65 years ago. This model remains core to the organisation today and is now the world’s leading approach to treating obstetric fistula as it considers the whole person with respect and compassion – treating the physical, psychological and emotional effects of fistula. It has been widely replicated around the world.

All six Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia hospitals provide a tailored rehabilitation program to patients to help them thrive after suffering the trauma of obstetric fistula. This includes counselling, literacy and numeracy classes, as well as vocational and life skills training. The Hamlin team supports women to find sustainable employment upon reintegration back into their communities. In some cases, this also includes the facilitation of start-up grants to establish their own business, enabling these women to generate an income.

Dinah heard about free obstetric fistula repair surgery at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital from a Hamlin Patient Identification Officer. She travelled to the hospital and underwent successful surgery.

A new beginning

With a smile spreading across her face, Dinah told us: “I feel healthy again, by the will of God. My plan is to start my education again and fully participate in social life.”

After years of struggling, Dinah is reclaiming her life and looking to the future with renewed optimism.

Learn more about Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s transformative Hamlin Model of Care.