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The Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation (formerly Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia Australia) was established by Dr. Catherine Hamlin to raise funds and awareness for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia. Our goal is to eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, one of the most horrendous childbirth injuries imaginable, through surgical treatment, rehabilitation and prevention programs.
Founded 61 years ago by pioneering Australian surgeons, Drs. Catherine and Reg Hamlin, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has treated over 60,000 women, repairing their fistula injuries and restoring their lives and dignity.
The Hamlin Model of Care is entirely unique and patient-centred, committed to giving women back their lives and dignity through complete and compassionate care.
Today, Hamlin comprises six fistula hospitals across Ethiopia, the Hamlin College of Midwives, 80 Hamlin-supported rural midwifery clinics and Desta Mender, Hamlin's rehabilitation and reintegration centre.
The Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation has one purpose and one purpose only - to eradicate fistula. Forever.
In Ethiopia, 80% of the population lives in rural remote areas with little or no access to quality healthcare. An estimated 39,000 women are suffering from an obstetric fistula and there are approximately 1,800 new cases every year. It is caused by a prolonged, obstructed labour and lack of quality maternal healthcare. The woman almost always loses her baby and is left incontinent, often ostracized by her family and community and condemned to a life of shame and isolation.
With support from the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, these women's lives and dignity can be restored through:
Treatment - For most women, a single life-changing operation carried out by a Hamlin surgeon can repair their fistula injury.
Rehabilitation - Hamlin's rehabilitation program helps recovering fistula sufferers to reclaim their lives. During their stay at Desta Mender, women receive physical and emotional rehabilitation while accessing ongoing medical care for their injuries. They also receive a basic education, life skills and vocational training, empowering them to be productive members of their communities when they return home.
Prevention - The Hamlin College of Midwives recruits students from rural areas, puts them through a rigorous 4-year degree in Midwifery then deploys them back to Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics in their rural villages, where their new skills are much needed.
The more fistulas we treat and the more midwives we train, the closer we become to realising Dr. Hamlin's dream of eradicating fistula. Forever.