The United Nations’ Report on Obstetric Fistula 2020 calls for a surge in efforts to eradicate obstetric fistula. The report outlines the gender and socioeconomic inequalities which result in fistula, as well as the measures necessary for the eradication of fistula by 2030. Highlighting the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for women in developing countries seeking […]

Dr Betty, General Practitioner at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital Dr Betty is a GP in the Outpatients Department at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. She mostly works with obstetric fistula patients as they first arrive at the hospital. For many women arriving at Hamlin, their consultation with Dr Betty marks the start of a new […]

Beletshachew Tadesse first met Dr Catherine Hamlin in 2009 when she was working for WaterAid. Soon after Beletshachew came work with Catherine at Hamlin’s Desta Mender as Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s first Rehabilitation and Reintegration Manager, she served in this role from 2011 to 2019. “These women deserve to thrive” I joined Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in […]

Dr Yeshineh Demerew - Medical Director at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia Dr Yeshineh has three decades of clinical experience. He began his career as a general practitioner in 1987 after graduating from the Gondar College of Medical Science. In 1997 he qualified as a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Addis Ababa University and in 2019 […]

Jallene’s Journey. For years, Jallene needlessly endured the agony of obstetric fistula without any medical attention. Thanks to a Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia initiative, Jallene was identified by Hamlin-trained health officers and taken to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital for treatment. Jallene’s journey is one of sacrifice, suffering and, ultimately, the renewal of hope. Life before fistula, Jallene's journey Jallene is from […]

The fistula patient, the fistula surgeon, the woman "If you have no leg, you can go with a crutch. If you are blind, there is somebody to help you around. For fistula, this is worse. Family, father, brother, mum, they can’t help... I would be ashamed, because when I got up, there might be a […]

Studying Midwifery during a pandemic. Like millions of students around the globe, Rahmet’s studies have looked a little different this year; through emails, online discussion boards, and phone calls, the third year midwifery student has been continuing her studies from home during a nation-wide lockdown. The new normal In March, following the announcement of the […]

Maternal health and COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed extraordinary strain on health systems across the globe and disrupted essential maternal services. For too many women, access to potential life saving perinatal and postnatal care is a challenge as countries redirect health resources to tackle COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19 on maternal health The impact […]