Donate to help end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia
Up to 31,000 Ethiopian women still live with the pain and indignity of an untreated obstetric fistula injury – and approximately 1,000 new cases occur each year.
Our mission is to make these numbers ZERO.
Project Zero is Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s most ambitious program in decades. This three-step program will finally make Ethiopia obstetric fistula-free – woreda by woreda (district by district) by:
Step 1: Identification ↓
Hamlin-trained health workers and patient identification officers will undertake community outreach and household surveys in all 800 woredas (or districts) of Ethiopia to identify women living with fistula and transfer them for immediate treatment at one of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s five hospitals. Women with long-term injuries will also be able to access the rehabilitation and reintegration services offered at Desta Mender.
Step 2: Prevention ↓
To improve maternal healthcare and outcomes for women, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia will expand its prevention program, with the goal of establishing a midwifery clinic in every woreda, staffed by Hamlin-trained midwives. The Hamlin College of Midwives’ curriculum meets the stringent standards of the International Confederation of Midwives, and the College will play an important role in training new midwives for woredas around the country.
Step 3: Education ↓
A country-wide community education campaign will raise awareness on safe delivery methods, obstetric fistula and other birth injuries, and the treatment options available to women. We will highlight the importance of seeking professional medical care during pregnancy, labour, and after birth. Training will also be given to existing healthcare professionals, so that they have a deeper understanding of birth injuries and can advise their patients of treatment options.
Within a decade, it’s entirely possible that Ethiopia will be completely free from obstetric fistula.
Your tax-deductible gift to Project Zero will help finally end the suffering of Ethiopian women – forever.
“I could not control my urine and I was terrified. There are no words to explain my happiness to be cured.” – Ayinalem, former fistula patient
If you would prefer to donate over the phone, please call our team on 02 9440 7001, or send us an email at [email protected]. Your privacy is important to us. We use the personal information you provide to process your donation, send tax receipts and give you updates about our work. Please contact us if you wish to update your information or unsubscribe. Your monthly gift will be used where it is most urgently needed.
