Ms Konjit Kassahun is Dean of the Hamlin College of Midwives & Prevention Manager
Now responsible for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s prevention strategy nationally, Konjit joined Hamlin in 2005 and held various clinical roles including serving four years as Matron of Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Konjit holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master’s in Social Psychology from Addis Ababa University.
A career dedicated to women in need
In 1993, Matron Konjit graduated from the Centralized School of Nursing - what is now the Addis Ababa University's School of Nursing - with a Diploma in Nursing. After working at a number of hospitals as a junior nurse, and Vice Matron, Konjit and her family moved to Addis Ababa where she worked in a blood bank for the Ethiopian Red Cross and an HIV organization.
“I feel very much happy that I am working at Hamlin Fistula, a pioneer in providing care and support for women who are suffering from preventable birth injuries.
"I feel proud to be part of such an organization that has provided the utmost care for more than 60,000 Ethiopian women. The work that is being done is more than words can explain, which can be seen in the way the mothers feel towards the hospital and everyone attached to it. It is as if the hospital is giving them back their life, their dignity and their status as a fellow human being. Who would not be happy to restore a woman’s health and dignity?” reflects Konjit.
A focus on patient care
Konjit joined Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia on 17 February 2005. Since then, she has worked in various departments within the hospital, including the Outpatient Department, Inpatient Department, and in the operating theater. The majority of her time has been spent in the Outpatient Department.
In June 2019, Konjit was named as Matron of Hamlin's Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. As Matron, which is also known as Head Nurse, Konjit oversaw the care of patients, with special regard to the integration aspect of patient care. Her job, as she puts it, was to "ensure that patients' needs are met as much as possible, that they are satisfied and feel at home during their stay in our hospital."
Konjit was appointed Dean of the Hamlin College of Midwives in 2021, and now has responsibility for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s prevention strategy nationally.
Following the Hamlins’ footsteps
“It is beyond words to express about the Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin. They both have dedicated their lives and their family to the Ethiopian women. And the legacy they have left is tremendous.
"The well-functioning hospital, the many thousands of women who are treated with love, respect and compassion. The midwifery college established by Dr Catherine Hamlin, the knowledge and skill they have transferred to the Ethiopian doctors and so on.”
Working to a brighter future
Self-improvement and professional development have been constants in Konjit's career. Committed to using best-practice methods of care, Konjit completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2008.
She has also completed a Masters in Social Psychology at the Addis Ababa University. "My number one career goal is to become more of an expert in my field. To achieve more infection control measures and maintain the work environment," says Konjit.
While significant barriers to maternal health in Ethiopia remain, Konjit is hopeful for the future. Reflecting on her hopes for future generations of Ethiopian women, she said "I am hoping to see women empowered, free of all obstetric and maternity-related morbidity and mortality."
Click here to learn more about the amazing people who are restoring the lives of fistula patients.
