Half a century ago, Aster gave birth to a stillborn baby boy. With no access to medical care her long, obstructed labor resulted in an obstetric fistula, a condition she has lived with ever since.

World Humanitarian Day provides an opportunity to highlight the incredible commitment, determination, and compassion of people who dedicate their lives to helping others.

Sister Marit is Vice Dean of the Hamlin College of Midwives, having begun work at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2009.

Dr Wondu Belayeneh Degina is a fistula surgeon at Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital

Dr Beede Lema is a Surgeon at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

Sister Tirgalem is the acting matron at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Project Zero has found its first four patients. These women are now being treated for their fistula injuries.

Your support has freed Ayinalem from her fistula injury and a life of misery and solitude.