For many women, obstetric fistula leads to a range of complex and long-term health complications. We spoke with Dr Leta Gadafa about the lengthy and delicate process of restoring health and dignity to Sumaya, a mother of ten. Dr Leta Gadafa is an obstetrician-gynaecologist, fistula surgeon and Manager at Hamlin’s Harar Fistula Hospital, where he […]

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 […]

Sumaya survived a three-day obstructed labour that left her with a fistula injury. Now, she is receiving holistic care to heal her body and spirit. Sumaya is a mother of ten from a remote rural community in eastern Ethiopia. Like many women in her village, she had little access to education, family planning or skilled […]

After six years of isolation, Abeba found healing at Hamlin, leading to a supportive marriage and the joy of motherhood. Abeba was born in the small village of Onago and now lives in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. She does not know her exact age. What she does know is the profound journey she has travelled - […]

Meet Tani, an expectant mother finding safety and community at a Hamlin-supported Maternity Waiting Home in Gorche. For many women in rural Ethiopia, giving birth safely requires careful planning. Long distances, limited roads and transport, and a shortage of health facilities mean that accessing pre and postnatal care—or reaching skilled help during labour—can be extremely difficult. […]

Mawardi's Story - in her own words. My name is Mawardi, and I am delighted to share that I delivered my baby yesterday! I named her Hafsa. I remember my childhood when I worked hard to support my family by fetching water and firewood. Despite those challenges, I managed to go to school and pursue […]

After a full year of treatment at the Hamlin Addis Ababa Hospital, Abebech is finally cured. With no access to maternal healthcare, Abebech endured eleven days of excruciating labour before delivering a stillborn baby. She sustained a double fistula, leaving her incontinent of urine and faeces. Abebech spent 15 years hiding in shame and isolation. […]

Birtukan sustained an obstetric fistula during the birth of her son. The physical pain formed only part of her suffering. “Fistula brought relentless discomfort and embarrassment, making even the simplest tasks unbearable. I avoided church and the market and was unable to contribute to my family’s life. It was a lonely and depressing existence.” A […]

Martha lives in the heart of Didessa, a small Ethiopian village cradled by lush hills and fields. For nearly 40 years, Martha lived with the burden of obstetric fistula. Now 70, she poured her heart into raising her three children, but her fourth pregnancy changed everything in her life. A long shadow is cast During […]

Without the compassion and generosity of people like you, many women like Wolaytie would still be hidden away, silently suffering in pain and shame with debilitating obstetric fistula injuries. This is Wolaytie’s incredible story of resilience and transformation. Wolaytie grew up in a remote village in the Semenari Woreda of southern Ethiopia as the daughter […]