An obstetric fistula injury nearly cost Zemzem her life. For over a decade, she felt hopeless, ashamed and alone – until she underwent treatment at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.  Rural and remote: Zemzem's life before fistula Zemzem’s village is nestled in the mountains of the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia. To access basic services – like transport, electricity, […]

In the six months from July to December 2021, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia have changed the lives of more than 1,100 women. This is thanks to the Hamlin team's clinical skills and steady support from donors.

The team at Hamlin’s Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center, Desta Mender, continues to restore the health and dignity of women who have sustained severe or complex obstetric fistula injuries.

"Midwifery, I believe, is the answer - to put a well-trained midwife in every village would soon eradicate obstetric fistula." Dr Catherine Hamlin Fistula prevention in FY21 Hamlin Midwives play an essential role in preventing obstetric fistula injuries and saving the lives of hundreds of mothers and babies every year. Based in more than 50 […]

"To be able to train dedicated young doctors and midwives is marvelous for me and my loyal staff, especially as they become enthusiastic about helping these poor women. It gives me confidence that the eradication of obstetric fistula can be achieved.” - Dr Catherine Hamlin Treatment in the 2021 program year The physical and psychological […]

A heartfelt thanks The last 12 months have been challenging and through it all our team at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia continued to work towards Dr Catherine Hamlin’s vision of eradicating obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, providing surgical treatment and care for the world’s most vulnerable women. Thank you for supporting them. You reached deep and showed […]

Five days. For five perilous days, Almaz endured an obstructed labor in her small Ethiopian village without a midwife. Without appropriate medical care, Almaz’s condition seriously deteriorated, and led to her suffering an obstetric fistula injury. The devastating impact of those five days without a midwife would be felt for ten long years. A life […]

Growing up in a rural village in southwestern Ethiopia, Kuma did not have access to quality maternal healthcare. As a result, she experienced an obstructed labor at home that resulted in her suffering obstetric fistula injuries. Kuma suffered with fistula for over ten years before she was identified and given life-changing treatment at Hamlin’s Addis […]