Elile's Story - Ethiopia’s hidden crisis

Ethiopia is in the middle of a hidden crisis with almost one in four women hiding a devastating condition in silence.

As Hamlin’s Patient Identification Officers search for women with obstetric fistula, they’re discovering thousands more suffering in silence with another devastating condition, pelvic organ prolapse – a condition that happens when pelvic organs slip from their normal position into the vagina. In advanced stages, like Elile’s, they fall outside of the body, causing a large painful bulge. 

Almost one in four women in rural Ethiopia live with this condition. Like fistula sufferers, they endure unbearable pain, crushing shame and social isolation. 

Elile couldn’t even perform basic tasks. She couldn’t fetch water. Couldn’t work. Couldn’t provide for her family the way she needed to. The cooking area in her tukul stood empty. 

The condition affected more than just her ability to work. Elile had always loved church activities and social events. But over the past year, her health had stolen that from her. 

She grew more isolated and ashamed. 

In the same way they have treated tens of thousands of fistula patients, Hamlin’s fistula hospitals have the specialised expertise to treat women like Elile with advanced pelvic organ prolapse. In 2025 alone, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia discovered 2,277 women with this condition and treated them all.

And thanks to people like you, every single woman receives treatment - completely free of charge.

When Elile learned treatment was available, tears ran down her face. She got straight into the car without hesitation. Her whole community came to see her off. People emerged from everywhere – crying, singing, wishing her well. 

In countries like New Zealand, pelvic organ prolapse is typically diagnosed and treated early. Women have access to healthcare, and the condition rarely progresses to dangerous stages. But in rural Ethiopia, it’s a different story.

Women like Elile develop advanced stage prolapse after multiple births with no medical care. Many also undertake heavy physical labour soon after giving birth, which increases the likelihood of a prolapse. By the time they reach a Hamlin fistula hospital, many have been suffering for years. The physical complications are severe – chronic pain, bleeding, infections, ulceration. In some cases, kidney damage or even kidney failure.

Many women simply don’t know that help exists. They suffer in silence, keeping their condition secret because of overwhelming shame.

When Elile arrived at Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital, she was welcomed with a Comfort Package containing a new nightgown, slippers and a hand-knitted blanket. As she took everything in, the apprehension in her eyes began to fade.

“I’m so happy,” she kept saying. “I’m so happy.”

Over the following weeks, Elile received expert surgical care that completely healed her condition. She was given nutritious meals to support her recovery and physiotherapy and counselling to help process the trauma of suffering in silence for so long.

The transformation was profound.

Dr Catherine Hamlin had enormous compassion for women who were suffering. She believed every woman deserved to be treated with dignity and loving care.

Dr. Yeshineh, a gynaecologist at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, was fortunate enough to work alongside Catherine and witness her incredible dedication to helping all women in rural Ethiopia – not just those with obstetric fistula. 

“Dr. Catherine Hamlin stood for the underprivileged, marginalised and less favoured segments of the population, especially rural mothers,” he says. “During my time with her, I saw her doing a lot for underprivileged mothers, including those with pelvic organ prolapse.” - Dr Yeshineh, gynaecologist, Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital 

The suffering caused by advanced pelvic organ prolapse is so similar to what fistula patients endure. Extreme physical pain, shame, social isolation and economic devastation. Husbands who leave. Children they can’t feed. 

When Elile came home from treatment, her children and neighbours welcomed her with songs.

“Their joy became my strength,” she said. “I felt truly happy to see their happiness.”

Before her condition, Elile sold fruit at the market to support her children. Now, she’s eager to resume that work. 

“I don’t want to be a burden,” she told us. “Having lost my husband, I need to use my land effectively to support my children.”

Today, Elile is no longer silent – she’s helping others.

“I received excellent care during my treatment,” Elile told us. “Now I educate other women in my neighbourhood about seeking similar help. I share my experience of receiving treatment free of charge and inform them about the hospital for women with similar conditions.”

It’s a wonderful example of how healing one woman can transform an entire community.

“It would bring me great joy if more women could receive the same level of treatment, support and care that I did.” 

And there are thousands more women waiting. Women suffering in silence right now who don’t know help exists. Whose families are hungry because their mother can’t work. Will you help us reach them? 

Your gift today, would help provide treatment for a woman with advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse and help us shine a light on Ethiopia’s hidden crisis.

The total cost to find and treat one woman with advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse at a Hamlin Fistula Hospital is $2,693

$73 Provides a woman with a Comfort Package.
$150 Finds and transports a woman to hospital.
$230 Provides her with nutritious meals during her hospital stay.
$840 Provides her pre-and post-operative care.
$1,400 Pays for her life-changing prolapse surgery.

Every woman we find and heal is one less family trapped in suffering. Every woman treated becomes an advocate who helps us find others. Thank you for caring about women like Elile – and for helping us stop their silent suffering.