An obstetric fistula can often be repaired with just a single operation. An operation that can take little more than 60 minutes. Sometimes the recovery is very quick, sometimes in more severe cases it takes longer. However in all cases it is life-changing. “I used to think of committing suicide, now I want to live,” […]...
For Australian women, it is almost unimaginable to give birth alone, with no hospital, no medical clinic or even no midwife. It would be both frightening and dangerous. Yet in Ethiopia today an estimated 85% of women give birth without any medical help. As a result, every day in Ethiopia, ten women develop an obstetric […]...
“I felt so proud to share with the group the incredible work of the Hamlin prevention pillar. Our midwives, staff and students are passionate and world class.” – Emily A vision realised When Catherine and Reg first arrived in Ethiopia in 1959, their plan was to set up a midwifery school in Addis Ababa. But, […]...
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) exists to ensure that the talented and hardworking team in Ethiopia can continue their mission, inspired by Reg and Catherine Hamlin, to eradicate obstetric fistula forever. Our Australian supporters play a critical role and we are enormously grateful for your support once again this year. I am fortunate enough to be […]...
Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation We are so pleased to announce that in January 2018, in honour of Dr Catherine Hamlin’s ongoing, inspirational work, we are updating our name to the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation. Dr Catherine Hamlin has had an extraordinary year. She was named NSW Senior Australian of the Year for 2018. She now […]...
The Hamlin College of Midwives Dr Catherine Hamlin has worked for almost 60 years to eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia. Catherine founded Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and five other regional fistula hospitals across Ethiopia and in 2007 she established the Hamlin College of Midwives. In the ten years since first opening its […]...
“I am in Awe. Sister Belaynesh holds in her hands the power of life and death… she is able to use simple and cost-effective tools to work miracles.” – Fiona Our four wheel drive turns off the main sealed road and onto compacted earth; baked dry under bright sunshine. I squint through the dust on the windshield […]...
The Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) Founded in 1919, the MWIA is one of the oldest professional bodies at the international level. It is as a non-governmental organisation representing female doctors from every continent around the globe. The MWIA have an important voice on all issues of interest to medical women – they initiate and support scientific projects […]...
Prevalence of obstetric fistula and symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in rural Ethiopia. Professor Karen Ballard, Dr Fekade Ayanachew, Professor Jeremy Wright and Habtamu Atnafu Introduction The incidence of obstetric fistula remains high in countries where there is limited access or poor uptake of facility-based care during childbirth. Ethiopian women have traditionally delivered their babies at […]...
Ruziya got married and soon after fell pregnant - she and her family were overjoyed. She continued to spend each day at work and prepared to have a home delivery like so many before her....
Obstetric fistulas predominantly affect women in developing countries who lack access to quality maternal health care. A recent systematic review suggested that there are approximately one million women with fistula in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and more than 6,000 new cases per year in these regions. We therefore know there is a problem and […]...
High Tea for Hamlin is a time of year where supporters all around Australia (and the world) get busy hosting events throughout Spring. Each event is raising funds and awareness for the important work of Dr Catherine Hamlin and her team in Ethiopia. Many of our hosts enjoy their High Tea for Hamlin so much […]...
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