Ethiopia 
United States 
Canada 
New Zealand 
United Kingdom 
Netherlands 
Mother. Educator. Believer.
These are what Kelemi has become since receiving life-changing surgery at Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital. But it was a long journey to get here.
When Kelemi and her husband found out she was pregnant, they were very happy. Like every woman in her remote village, Kelemi planned to give birth at home but after three excruciating days in labour, it was clear something was very wrong. Her family made the long journey to the nearest hospital.
Tragically, Kelemi’s baby was stillborn and she sustained an obstetric fistula, leaving her incontinent. When she returned home, Kelemi became very depressed and spent the next seven years suffering in shame and isolation.
Your support finally brought hope and healing to Kelemi.
Kelemi made her way to Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital with another woman with obstetric fistula from her village. Kelemi received free life-changing surgery and returned to her community determined to educate women about the importance of visiting a health centre during pregnancy and childbirth.
“The [Hamlin] staff helped me heal psychologically. I live freely in my community. I am happy and stable. Before this I knew nothing about health services. Now I am teaching others about it.” – Kelemi
When Kelemi became pregnant for a second time, she regularly visited her local health centre. She returned to Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital for the safe caesarean delivery of her beautiful baby.
