Our Governance

Catherine Hamlin Foundation International exists for one purpose: to help eradicate obstetric fistula forever. Catherine Hamlin Foundation International builds on the long-standing work of the Australian Foundation, which has been supported by thousands of donors committed to Dr Catherine Hamlin’s vision. 

The Foundation now has a global mandate to raise funds and awareness for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia — a renowned healthcare network comprising six specialist hospitals, the Desta Mender rehabilitation and reintegration centre, the Hamlin College of Midwives, and more than 90 Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics.

Led by an Advisory Board chaired by Nigel Brooksby, Catherine Hamlin Foundation‹ International collaborates with Hamlin’s global partner network  in a shared mission: to realise Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin’s vision of a fistula-free Ethiopia.

Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is the reference organisation and leader in the fight to eradicate obstetric fistula around the world, blazing a trail for holistic treatment and care that empowers women to reassert their humanity, secure their health and well-being, and regain their roles in their families and communities.

Governed and operated entirely by a 100% Ethiopian team, the organisation employs over 600 dedicated professionals—many trained by Dr Catherine Hamlin herself—who continue her legacy by delivering the Hamlin Model of Care to women with fistula injuries across the country.

Catherine Hamlin Foundation International provides major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners with a direct and accountable way to support Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s work.

With no intermediaries, philanthropic support can translate into meaningful impact on the ground. Reporting is clear and backed by decades of data, clinical experience and evidence-driven review, including Project Zero pilot learnings.

Supported by sound governance structures and long-standing relationships with government and local stakeholders in Ethiopia, the Foundation gives funding partners confidence that their support is helping accelerate progress towards a fistula-free Ethiopia.