Virtually a thing of the past in Australia, an obstetric fistula is a horrific childbirth injury that severely impacts women’s lives in developing countries like Ethiopia. 

Thousands of women are suffering from this internal injury that’s caused by prolonged, obstructed labour when no medical assistance is available. Women almost always lose their babies and are left incontinent of body waste. Most are shunned by their community and even their own family so they hide away in agony, isolation and shame. But there is hope…

Founded 65 years ago by Dr Catherine Hamlin, a pioneering Australian surgeon, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is a world-leading, locally-staffed maternal healthcare network tirelessly treating and preventing these horrific birth injuries across the country. 

Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is an independent charity established in Australia to raise critical funds for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia so they can find, treat and empower Ethiopian women, ending their suffering. We exist to achieve Catherine’s vision to end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.

Today, over 70,000 women have had their health, dignity and independence restored through free fistula-repair surgery, compassionate care and rehabilitation at Hamlin. 

Each patient receives a colourful hand-knitted Hamlin blanket - gifted by our kind- hearted supporters - symbolising her healing journey as her life is woven back together after unimaginable suffering. 

While the eradication of obstetric fistula in Ethiopia once seemed impossible, it is now becoming a reality. This progress is thanks to a growing movement of compassionate, generous supporters who are determined to give every Ethiopian woman her right to basic, life-changing maternal healthcare.

Will you vote for us to help achieve Catherine’s vision for women in Ethiopia?