Help eradicate obstetric fistula
Your support will help fund the rollout of Project Zero, an innovative program eradicating obstetric fistula across Ethiopia woreda (district) by woreda
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A horrific childbirth injury stole Genet’s life. Someone like YOU gave it back.
Alone in her rural home, Genet endured days in an agonising, obstructed labour.
Soon after, Genet developed one of the worst childbirth injuries imaginable - an obstetric fistula - which left her incontinent.
“I feel exhausted when the urine leaks and wets my clothes all the time.” - Genet
After 17 years of pain, suffering and isolation, a Hamlin Patient Identification Officer found Genet hidden away at home. She was taken to Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital where she was given a beautiful Comfort Package to mark the start of her healing journey.
Genet’s healing continued with fistula repair surgery and loving care to restore her dignity and confidence.
Your gift today doesn’t just fund a surgery — it gives a woman’s life back.
The health problem [obstetric fistula] I have faced has ruined my life. When I become tired the urine flows heavily. I heard many things my neighbours said about me. It made me feel ashamed.
- Genet
Your support has a long-term effect beyond the operating table. Every donation is a direct investment in a woman’s future – giving her health, dignity, and the chance to participate fully in society. This is tangible, transformative and life-changing impact that can be measured and celebrated.
— Dr Bitew Abebe, Genet’s fistula surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
Catherine Hamlin Foundation International is a registered charity (Registered Charity Number 1217877) spearheads global fundraising initiatives to support Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in eliminating obstetric fistula and other devastating childbirth injuries, while improving maternal health care through the Hamlin Model of Care. The organisation is dedicated to restoring dignity and empowering women to resume their vital roles within families and communities.
We work in collaboration with local fundraising partners who also raise funds for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, ensuring a united global effort to eradicate obstetric fistula and improve maternal health care.
Yes. Australian surgeon, Dr Catherine Hamlin was our Founder and Patron. Catherine passed away in March 2020 at age 96. We exist to fulfil her vision to eradicate fistula in Ethiopia. Forever.
You can read more about Catherine’s life’s work to eradicate obstetric fistula here.
For every £1 donated, 70 pence goes directly towards Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s programs for the treatment and prevention of obstetric fistula, 13 pence is necessary for accountability and administration and 17 pence is invested in fundraising efforts which allows us to help even more women in future years.
Our funding for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia comes from voluntary contributions made by individual donors, foundations, businesses, community organisations and schools throughout the UK, Europe, Australia and other global partners. There is also local fundraising in Ethiopia. There is no government funding.
Catherine Hamlin Foundation International works hard to ensure the highest possible percentage of all donations received is spent on programs to treat and prevent obstetric fistula.
Yes, the financial accounts are independently audited annually.
To see all financial statements and other documents, please send us an email.
Yes, you definitely can, please send us an email and we will send you our account details for you to make your deposit. Thank you for your generosity.