On 8th March, we celebrated International Women’s Day, with the theme ‘Rights. Equality. Empowerment for all women.’ Sister Konjit Kassahun, Project Zero and Prevention Manager at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, is achieving that by focusing on increasing professional, maternal healthcare in some of the most hard to reach parts of Ethiopia.
Many women face significant barriers to accessing maternal healthcare before and after their baby is born. Sister Konjit explains:
“For some, it is the long distances to reach a health centre or no proper road to travel on. For those living in poverty, there is often no money for transport. Social and cultural barriers also pose a challenge.”
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is deploying highly qualified Hamlin Midwives across the country to provide support in over 90 rural health centres. Each clinic is stocked with essential supplies including medicine, sterilisation equipment and infant radiant warmers for newborns. Delivery rooms are renovated to ensure a welcoming environment for women.
Both prenatal and postnatal care are crucial for mothers and their babies. Encouraging mothers to get health checks before they give birth is a priority for Sister Konjit. Hamlin Midwives offer ultrasounds as a free service to all women attending a rural clinic.
During postnatal visits, Hamlin Midwives check mothers and babies for any issues and teach mothers about the importance of breastfeeding and childhood vaccinations, as well as family planning options.
Sister Konjit’s commitment and action to expand maternal care in Ethiopia is saving lives but she adds: “We need more skilled birth attendants to perform all these activities. That’s why we are so thankful for the generosity and commitment shown by our many donors around the globe.”
