Imagine not being able to read or write your own name or contact your family in an emergency?
This was the reality for Abebech. In her remote village in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, Abebech grew up helping her family on the land instead of attending school.
After getting married and becoming pregnant, Abebech planned to give birth at home. But after three arduous days in labor, Abebech’s family took her to the nearest health center desperately seeking help.
Because her condition was ‘beyond their control’, Abebech was referred to the local hospital where her baby was stillborn. She also sustained an obstetric fistula which left her incontinent.
“Because of the fistula, I cried all day and night. My husband questioned why I had this condition and insisted that it was my problem, not his. He married someone else and now has two children while I have been living alone in isolation.” – Abebech
Abebech is one of around 1,000 women every year who suffer this cruel fate in Ethiopia. Tragically, 93% of women who sustain an obstetric fistula deliver a stillborn baby.
Ashamed, alone and without an education, women are unable to work to support themselves and cannot take part in any community gatherings.
Dr Catherine Hamlin was a visionary humanitarian who understood that treating a woman with obstetric fistula goes far beyond surgical repair.
Catherine pioneered the patient-centered, holistic Hamlin Model of Care which treats the whole woman with respect and compassion, restoring her health and dignity.
Every woman arriving at a Hamlin Fistula Hospital is warmly welcomed with a Comfort Package, including a beautiful hand-knitted Hamlin blanket, hygiene items, a clean new nightgown and slippers and a homecoming dress. This marks the start of the Hamlin Model of Care.
In addition to surgery, she receives tailored counseling, physiotherapy, nutrition, numeracy and literacy skills and vocational and life skills training.
Because of generous donors, over 70,000 women have had their health and dignity restored by the Hamlin Model of Care - free of charge.
But Catherine’s work is not complete. An estimated 31,000 women are suffering with untreated obstetric fistula injuries - and around 1,000 new cases occur each year.
After a year of suffering, Abebech’s heart leapt when heard there was a cure. The medical staff at Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital sent an ambulance to Abebech’s village to collect her.
“I was warmly welcomed. The care I received at the centre exceeded what I had experienced from my family. They provided meals, changed the sheets regularly, and offered breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything was free.” - Abebech
Abebech expected life to get easier after being cured but, with no education or skills, she struggled to provide for herself and her family. She was invited to participate in Hamlin’s Women’s Empowerment Program to learn vital vocational skills so she could play an active role in her community.
After completing training programs in literacy and numeracy, cooking, sewing, embroidery and poultry, Abebech now has everything she needs to lead a meaningful and productive life.
“I have a big plan to rent a house where I can prepare and sell food. Alongside catering, I also want to do embroidery and sewing to create and sell bags.” - Abebech
