An obstetric fistula injury can often be repaired with a single, life-changing surgery. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Clinical Team has performed more than 60,000 fistula-repair surgeries – transforming more lives than any other fistula treatment facility in the world. Treatment and holistic care at Hamlin is provided free of charge to all patients, thanks to the […]...
A message from Carolyn Hardy: Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation It is almost one year since Healing Lives was published telling the untold story of the inspiring friendship between Mamitu Gashe and Catherine Hamlin. Mamitu was by Catherine’s side for 50 years. These two formidable women, together with the dedicated Ethiopian clinical team […]...
The tragedy of obstetric fistula One of the worst things that can happen to a woman or girl is an obstetric fistula, an internal injury caused by an obstructed labour during childbirth that leaves her incontinent and shunned by her community. The physical consequences of this childbirth injury are debilitating. The hole between the birth […]...
Elfinesh has been running her shop for the last three years, where she sells a wide variety of products needed for life in a rural town in northwestern Ethiopia. You could find just about anything you need in her small shop – from spices to soap, cooking oil to safety pins. Hanging from the roof […]...
Dr Bitew Abebe is the Medical Director at Hamlin’s Bahir Dar Fistula Hospital. His work as a urogynaecologist and obstetric fistula surgeon has transformed the lives of thousands of Ethiopian women. Dr Bitew joined Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2009. Prior to working at Hamlin, he studied medicine at the Addis Ababa University and specialised in […]...
Our work to eradicate obstetric fistula is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. One way to make a meaningful contribution to the continuation of Dr Catherine Hamlin’s work and a lasting tribute to women across Ethiopia is through leaving a gift in your Will, also known as a bequest. Jane is helping […]...
Growing up in a rural village in southwestern Ethiopia, Kuma did not have access to quality maternal health care. As a result, she experienced an obstructed labour at home that resulted in her suffering obstetric fistula injuries. Kuma suffered with fistula for over ten years before she was identified and given life-changing treatment at Hamlin’s […]...
Zinash’s story transformed from struggle to joy through the extraordinary care and love of the staff at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. For Zinash, being referred to a Hamlin fistula hospital was life changing, and the care she received would end her suffering from fistula once and for all. Living in a small rural town in southern […]...
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently released its annual State of World Population (SWOP) report for 2021. The 2021 SWOP report highlights issues relating to reproductive and sexual health. This year’s report focuses on the theme of bodily autonomy, the power of women to make decisions about their own bodies. The report details a […]...
Meet Lynne Acworth: educator, volunteer, and passionate advocate for obstetric fistula patients. Now retired, the Sydney-based Geography teacher has participated in a variety of activities – from volunteering at the Hamlin Shop to educating future generations about preventable childbirth injuries in Ethiopia. This reflects the amazing ethos that all of our Hamlin Champions embody. Passionate […]...
Dr Wondwossen Ergete Woldeab is a Urologist at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. A respected and experienced member of Hamlin’s Clinical Team, Dr Wondwossen is using his expertise to improve the wellbeing of women who have suffered an obstetric fistula injury. He is determined to see every woman in Ethiopia have access to high quality […]...
Using data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, a recent 2021 study by Woldia University (published 7 July 2021) in Ethiopia has identified obstetric fistula as a devastating obstetric issue in Ethiopia with continued prevalence. The study looked at 7,590 women over five years who had given birth and found that of these […]...
