When a woman like Genet undergoes surgery for obstetric fistula, the impact extends far beyond the operating theatre. Dr Bitew Abebe, FIGO-accredited fistula surgeon, obstetrician-gynaecologist and uro-gynaecologist at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, explains why. Obstetric fistula is a serious but highly treatable childbirth injury. It is usually caused by prolonged, obstructed labour, which creates […]

YOUR impact for women in Ethiopia - During October 2025 to March 2026: Surgery Prevention Rehabilitation & Reintegration Desta Mender is Hamlin's Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre where where longer-term fistula patients with more severe injuries can continue to heal. Project Zero Project Zero was launched in 2023 by Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia to accelerate the eradication […]

At Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, good nutrition is recognised as an essential foundation of healing for women with childbirth injuries. It is an integral part of the Hamlin Model of Care, a holistic approach to obstetric fistula treatment that supports each woman’s physical, emotional and social recovery. Many women arrive at any of the six Hamlin […]

In early April, the team at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia lost a much-beloved colleague when Lete - known as ‘Weleliye’ meaning sweet – passed away at the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa. One of the earliest patients of Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin, Lete was referred to the Princess Tsehai Hospital in Addis Ababa for […]

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 […]

The International Day of the Midwife is annually celebrated on 5 May and was established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to celebrate and raise awareness about the midwifery profession. For the Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia team, it’s an opportunity to applaud the life-saving work that Hamlin Midwives do every day. Dr Catherine […]

At Hamlin Fistula New Zealand, we understand only too well the deep shame and distress that comes with devastating childbirth injuries such as obstetric fistula or advanced pelvic organ prolapse. Alongside the physical pain and discomfort, many women live with the daily challenge of managing the incontinence and odour that can accompany these injuries. For […]

Earlier this year, Solomon Abebe Addis joined Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia as General Manager. He brings extensive leadership experience across international development and public health, including senior roles with the United Nations, and was named one of the 10 World Maternal Health Young Champions by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Institute […]

Obstetric fistula is one of the most devastating childbirth injuries a woman can experience, yet it remains widely misunderstood. At Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, many women arrive for treatment after years of physical suffering, stigma and social isolation. Misconceptions about what causes fistula — and whether it can be treated — can deepen that suffering and […]

Tewodros of Kidus Studios in Ethiopia has been working with Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia for more than five years. An exceptionally talented documentary photographer, his work captures both the hardship experienced by women living with obstetric fistula and other childbirth injuries, and the healing and hope made possible through the Hamlin Model of Care. A skilled […]