Every year on 23 May, the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula shines a light on one of the most devastating childbirth injuries a woman can endure.
Caused by prolonged obstructed labour without timely medical care, obstetric fistula leaves women incontinent, traumatised and often isolated from their families and communities.
For women like Genet, the injury stole 17 years of health, dignity and hope.
At Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, we have one goal: to eradicate obstetric fistula and other devastating childbirth injuries.
That means providing world-leading surgical treatment and compassionate care, while also strengthening access to skilled maternal healthcare to protect future generations of women.
Too many women in Ethiopia are living with obstetric fistula, unaware that treatment is available. For almost two decades, Genet endured the shame, isolation and physical pain that this devastating childbirth injury can cause.
Fortunately, Genet was found by one of Hamlin’s Patient Identification Officers, who travel to remote communities in search of women living hidden with childbirth injuries.
But this is only part of how Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is working to end obstetric fistula.
Dr Catherine said: "The key to a fistula-free world lies in preventative measures." That is why Hamlin’s work goes beyond surgery. Through the Hamlin College of Midwives and support for rural midwifery clinics, we are helping bring quality maternal healthcare closer to women, preventing obstetric fistula and other childbirth injuries before they happen.
Five facts about obstetric fistula:
Fact 1: Half of all women in Ethiopia give birth at home without medical care.
A home birth, without the assistance of a healthcare professional, increases a woman’s chances of developing an obstetric fistula. Tragically, 90% of women who sustain an obstetric fistula give birth to a stillborn baby. It leaves her incontinent and isolated from her community.
Fact 2: An estimated 30,000 women in Ethiopia are living with a fistula injury
Our Project Zero initiative is focused on finding the estimated 30,000 women in Ethiopia who remain physically and emotionally isolated by obstetric fistula injuries. Using a woreda (district) by woreda approach, Hamlin’s Patient Identification Officers go door-to-door in search of women who are unaware they could be cured by a simple two-hour operation.
Fact 3: Obstetric fistula is not just a maternal health issue, but a human rights issue.
Treating obstetric fistula through a holistic, whole-patient approach, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia not only treats the injury but also address other inequities that women experience, including isolation, poverty and illiteracy. Hamlin’s Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program at Desta Mender offers counselling, literacy and numeracy classes, as well as vocational and life skills training. By empowering women, they in turn can empower their communities and live with dignity, agency and good health.
Fact 4: Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has performed life-changing surgery on over 70,000 women.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, which operates a healthcare network of six hospitals, has performed life-changing surgery on more than 70,000 women. Surgery is also available for a range of other gynaecological conditions, including advanced-stage pelvic organ prolapse. All patients are treated free of charge at Hamlin hospitals.
Fact 5: Midwives are essential to eradicating obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.
Midwives working in Ethiopia’s rural areas play a vital role in reducing birth injuries. By identifying pregnancy complications, they can prevent obstetric fistula from occurring. In 2007, Dr Catherine Hamlin established the Hamlin College of Midwives to increase access to quality healthcare. With a curriculum that meets the standards of the International Confederation of Midwives, graduates return to their local areas to work in Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics.
Ending obstetric fistula in Ethiopia will mean women are:
- Free of incontinence caused by fistula injuries and the stigma and isolation it brings
- Confident of delivering their babies safely
- Not suffering agonising, obstructed labour, often for many days
- Able to access quality maternal health care, regardless of where they live
“Now that I am cured, I will no longer face any frustration when I return home. I am free to work and support my family. I will live as I did in my childhood—playing and laughing with the people around me.”
- Genet
You can help make Dr's Reg and Catherine's vision of a fistula-free Ethiopia a reality
- Donate: Your financial support is powerful. Give a one-off or monthly donation to heal and empower women and help build a fistula-free future.
- Fundraise: Get your friends and family together and help make a difference to women in Ethiopia. You can get active, get crafty or get social for a good cause.
- Spread the word: Share this story on social media and encourage others to learn more. Keep up to date with the latest news in the fight to eradicate fistula by following Hamlin on social media or signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
