International Literacy Day is celebrated on 8th September every year and highlights the importance of literacy for all people, communities and societies. For women who live in poverty, like most of our fistula patients, the chance to reach their full potential is hampered by a lack of numeracy and literacy skills. That’s why Hamlin’s Women’s […]

Ayana’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that a lack of access to quality maternal healthcare can have on a woman’s life. Ayana is from the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia. She and her husband were looking forward to expanding their family but with no access to antenatal care or medical […]

Dr Biniyam Sirak, Medical Director and Surgeon, Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital Dr Biniyam Sirak joined Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia nine years ago and is the Medical Director at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. He is also the Assistant Professor of Urogynaecology at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Biniyam’s connection to Hamlin is certainly unique: he was […]

“They [Hamlin hospital staff] took my happiness as their happiness. When I gave birth to my child, all of them were very happy.” Enku (pictured above) lives in a small rural village called Midakeya. She has three children and was eagerly looking forward to the arrival of her newest baby. With no access to qualified […]

Getu and her husband were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child. Throughout her pregnancy, Getu remained active, assisting her husband with farming tasks, collecting wood from the forest, grinding cereals, and managing other household activities. Their daughter was delivered safely, but Getu suffered a severe obstetric fistula injury due to prolonged, obstructed labor. […]

Firomi Shume is one of our dedicated and passionate Hamlin midwives working to prevent fistula and maternal death.  Now 26 years old, Firomi was born and raised in Mettu, a small town in West Ethiopia where one of the five Hamlin regional hospitals is located. It was from here that she was recruited for a […]

Paralysis is rarely something a woman in New Zealand experiences as a consequence of childbirth. Yet, in addition to losing her baby and sustaining an obstetric fistula injury, Emnet lost the use of her legs during an agonising and lengthy home birth. Emnet’s injuries were so severe that her life hung in the balance.  Falling […]

This past year Hamlin Fistula has achieved more than ever! 3,580 surgeries for obstetric fistula, pelvic organ prolapse and other gynaecological conditions. 96% fistula closure rate - higher than anywhere else in Africa. 84 midwifery centres were supported by Hamlin with essential drugs and equipment, midwife salaries and mentoring. 28,159 women birthed fistula-free in the […]

We recently interviewed Hamlin Midwife Mentor Bella, who updated us on the conditions faced by our Hamlin midwives in Tigray.

An often-untold story is the impact of civil conflict and violence on childbearing women.

Please note this story contains distressing information.