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Restore. Empower. Equip.

Our goal is fistula-free and safe childbirth for every woman.

Hamlin Fistula New Zealand: Restoring Dignity, Saving Lives

Founded in Ethiopia by pioneering Kiwi and Australian surgeons, Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin, our work reflects a lifetime quest to provide treatment to the most marginalised women: those who have suffered an obstetric fistula.

Obstetric fistula is a common and devastating childbirth injury that occurs as a result of prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely medical care. It leaves survivors with uncontrollable incontinence, and in most cases the loss of their baby as well. The physical and psychological consequences are debilitating, traumatic and heart-breaking.

Hamlin provides surgical intervention and rehabilitation, along with the training and placement of midwives across rural Ethiopia to improve maternity care access.

Over the past 65 years, Hamlin has treated over 70,000 women. Despite this progress, an estimated 31,000 women still suffer from untreated birth injuries with around 1,000 new cases each year. 

The Hamlin network includes the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, five regional Fistula hospitals, the Desta Mender rehabilitation center, the Hamlin College of Midwives and over 90 Hamlin-supported rural midwifery clinics across Ethiopia. 

Established in 2005 at the request of Dr Catherine, the Hamlin Charitable Fistula Hospitals Trust (known as Hamlin Fistula New Zealand) is a Kiwi charity committed to raising funds and awareness.

Please join us in making a difference in the lives of Ethiopian women by supporting Hamlin's vital work.

“Every mother is a family’s richest possession” - Dr Reg Hamlin OBE

Join us to ensure the health and dignity of mothers by making quality maternity care and expert treatment for childbirth injuries accessible for every woman.

"Congratulations to you… I believe this is God’s work on Earth, what you are doing." - Oprah Winfrey

Latest News and Patient Stories

1,000 Hats for Hamlin Milestone!

Thanks to your amazing generosity and talent, we’re thrilled to share that 1,000 baby hats have been lovingly knitted, donated, and packaged – ready for their journey to Ethiopia! Not only will they keep newborns warm in the high altitude rural villages, the promise of a 'free hat' encourages mothers to birth with a Hamlin […]
Giving birth in safe hands

Kedida is one of the lucky ones. Pregnant with her first child, and recognising the signs of labour, she made her way by public transport to the Watar Hamlin-midwifery clinic. Gadissie, a newly graduated Hamlin Midwife, was there to welcome her. Having completed practical placements in several rural clinics while studying for her BSc Midwifery […]
Dr Leta, fistula surgeon, explains the importance of prevention

Eight years ago, Dr Leta was a student in Gondar University when Dr Catherine Hamlin visited to inaugurate a fistula centre. Her words made a lasting impact on him. “During her speech, Dr Catherine said that to cease the suffering of obstetric fistula patients, you must put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Even then, she […]
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Help us give hope to every woman.

Keep up to date with our work including the latest news from our programmes in Ethiopia, ways to get involved and how your support can make a difference.
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Hamlin Fistula NZ is committed to providing ongoing support for fistula surgery and for the preventive work of the midwives. The hospital in Addis Ababa has become a centre of excellence to which doctors from other countries come to learn and master the specialist skills of fistula surgery.

Photography credits to Mary F. Calvert, Kate Geraghty, Amber Hooper, Joni Kabana, Joli Wescombe, Natasha Meyer and Martha Tadesse.