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2024 in review: Rehabiliation

Without an understanding of obstetric fistula and its causes, survivors are often subject to severe social stigma due to their smell, perceptions of uncleanliness, a mistaken assumption of venereal disease and sometimes infertility. Women are trapped in a life of pain, shame and isolation. Nearly all patients at Hamlin’s fistula hospitals report psychological issues associated with their condition. 

Meseret sad 2400x1600 1 | Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation | Together we can eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

The Hamlin Model of Care is the world’s leading approach to treating women with obstetric fistula. This holistic approach considers the whole person with respect and compassion by treating the physical, psychological and emotional effects of obstetric fistula

At Desta Mender, Hamlin’s Rehabilitation & Reintegration center, patients receive customized counseling programs, physiotherapy, literacy and numeracy classes and vocational training. 

In FY24, 2,237 patients completed numeracy and literacy education (a 35% increase from FY23) and 1,164 women completed counseling courses (a 48% increase from FY23). 96% of women attending Desta Mender were reintegrated back to their communities. 

The Women’s Empowerment program, a two-month residential vocational training program for 

former fistula patients is thriving, with plans to increase participant numbers in 2025. In FY24, 265 women graduated, with over 60% choosing to learn poultry farming skills. 

Kalkidan | Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation | Together we can eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

“Throughout the training, I absorbed valuable knowledge. With my newfound confidence and skills, my intention is to raise poultry, establish an apiary and use my pottery skills to supplement my income.” - Kalkidan, Women’s Empowerment program graduate 

“Because of this injury, they’re ashamed and they won’t come out and talk about it because it’s to do with being incontinent…and they feel ashamed. They feel they’re unworthy to be women.” Dr Catherine Hamlin 

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All rights reserved 2024 Catherine Hamlin Foundation (R) (ABN58159647499)
Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is fiscally sponsored by Myriad USA (formerly King Baudouin Foundation United States - KBFUS) (EIN582277856) and Myriad Canada (RCO769784893RR0001)

Photography credits to Cameron Bloom, Nigel Brennan, Mary F. Calvert, Kate Geraghty, Amber Hooper, Joni Kabana, Johannes Remling and Martha Tadesse.

Patient names have been changed to protect the identities of those we help.