A preventable tragedy: Eshe’s story

Eshe was born in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. After she got married, Eshe became pregnant and she and her husband looked forward to the birth of their first child.

But during a prolonged excruciating labour, Eshe had still not delivered her baby. After a long walk to the closest clinic the health worker there could not help her. It was too late to save Eshe’s baby and she sustained a severe obstetric fistula injury, leaving her incontinent, grieving and ashamed. She told us,

“The dual tragedy of losing my baby and developing the fistula was overwhelming. My whole community ostracised me because of the unpleasant smell. Nobody understood my condition. I felt so ashamed and cried constantly. I stayed isolated at home for years, unaware that there was a cure available.”

These are the catastrophic consequences for a woman without access to Hamlin-standard maternal healthcare.

We believe every woman like Eshe should be able to deliver her baby safely and without harm. Yet in rural Ethiopia, health centres often lack even the most essential supplies and medical equipment. 

Can you imagine not being able to get the most basic maternal health care when you most urgently need it? 

Obstetric fistula prevention is key

This is why Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics staffed by highly skilled Hamlin Midwives are so vital. They are equipped with essential medical equipment and supplies for specialised care to ensure safe deliveries, prevent horrific birth injuries like obstetric fistula and empower local communities.

Dr Catherine Hamlin knew that prevention is key to eradicating obstetric fistula and ensuring women give birth safely. She once wrote:

“To have midwives that will go back to their own villages and look after all pregnant women in their area, referring those in danger of obstructed labour to our centres or the nearest hospital before labour starts.” – Dr Catherine Hamlin

Hamlin’s exceptional care and compassion

Eshe didn’t know the name for her condition, but she knew she had to seek help for it.

She went to a larger hospital where she was diagnosed with an obstetric fistula and referred her to Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital for specialist treatment. Eshe told us:

“When I arrived here, the compassion and care of the staff were exceptional. I had never seen a hospital provide such wonderful service. They accepted us when our own families have rejected us due to our condition. They truly cared for us and provided me with everything I needed, from pyjamas and soap to a bed and shoes.

I’ve even been able to forget the pain and depression I felt. Now, I’m receiving the treatment and support I need and I’m able to spend time chatting with the other women who share my condition.

We are empowered here, without any discrimination. I’m truly thankful for these people.”

Make a donation to help equip and refurbish a rural clinic, transforming it into a Hamlin-supported midwifery clinic with improved maternal health care services for women.

Your generous support will provide essential medical equipment and supplies to ensure safe deliveries, prevent horrific birth injuries and empower local communities.