Hamlin Fistula Foundation
What is obstetric fistula?
One of the worst things that can happen to a woman or girl is an obstetric fistula, an internal injury caused by an obstructed labour during childbirth that leaves her incontinent, humiliated and often cut off from her community. An obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum. It leaves survivors leaking urine or faeces – and sometimes both – through their vagina. Tragically, 93% of obstetric fistula survivors give birth to a stillborn baby, often after an agonising obstructed birth lasting days.
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In countries like Ethiopia, more than 70% of births take place without a doctor or nurse present and more than 3000 fistulas occur each year. Imagine suffering for days through an excruciating obstructed labour, losing your baby and then suffering the most horrendous internal injury. Just because you are a woman without access to effective maternal healthcare.
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The Fullife Foundation is proud to be associated with a great Australian, Catherine Hamlin, and the amazing work she does for Ethiopian women.
Equipping Fistula Clinics
The Fullife Foundation has commenced a partnership with the Hamlin Fistula Foundation to equip 15 rural Midwifery Clinics in Bahir Bar, the capital of the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia.
There are 2-3 Hamlin-trained midwives at each clinic who provide pre and postnatal care and skilled assistance during delivery for women living in these areas. They also care for women who are suffering from obstetric fistula injuries.
