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 a remote […]

Ruth Kennedy is a Scottish midwife who grew up in Brazil. Ruth first met Dr Catherine Hamlin in 1991. Below is the first in a series of her blogs about her experience working with Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. She was young, small in stature, only a child… she was lying in a head down prone position, with […]

Prilli Stevens was the Chief Professional Nurse in the Stoma therapy Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa; she retired in 2005. Prilli first met Dr Catherine Hamlin in 1995. Written in 2005, below is Prilli Stevens’ account of working with Catherine. It was in 1993 that I first heard of the […]

Celebrating Hamlin Alumni and their contributions to the Hamlin Model of Care. When Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin first encountered an obstetric fistula patient, they knew women with this terrible condition required special attention. Their model of care for fistula patients evolved over six decades with the support and input of many professionals at the […]

Hamlin hospitals All patients arriving at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital are assessed and monitored for COVID-19. A building, separate from the main hospital, has been set up for patients to stay while this takes place. If no symptoms are detected, their fistula assessment and treatment is scheduled. If patients have symptoms, they will be […]

Leaving a meaningful, lasting legacy. Since the beginning, a movement of generous people have supported Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin’s dream to eradicate obstetric fistula. Whether it’s leaving a gift in your will or fundraising in a creative way, because of YOU more Ethiopian women are getting the maternal health care they deserve. Barb, 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 […]