Ayana’s story

Ayana’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that a lack of access to quality maternal healthcare can have on a woman’s life.

Ayana is from the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia. She and her husband were looking forward to expanding their family but with no access to antenatal care or medical assistance during labour, Ayana’s baby was stillborn and she sustained an obstetric fistula which left her incontinent.

Devastated by the loss of her child and horrified by the constant stream of urine flowing from her body, Ayana was determined to find a solution for her condition.

She recalls: “I knew that I had to keep fighting, not only for myself but for my family.”

Ayana and her husband visited their local hospital who referred them to Hamlin’s Bahir Dar Fistula Hospital where Ayana received specialist surgery to repair her fistula.

She told us: “The team was truly compassionate and skilled. They provided me with the care and treatment I needed to regain my quality of life. My journey has been a difficult one, but I hope that my story can serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.”

Hamlin Midwives provide skilled maternal healthcare services to women when they most need it. They prevent obstetric fistulas and other childbirth injuries and educate the women in their community about safe pregnancy and childbirth.