Chasing Zero
Treat, heal and empower every last woman living with childbirth injuries in Ethiopia.
Your Invitation
Join us to finish what Dr Catherine Hamlin started.
Find and treat every woman in Ethiopia living with obstetric fistula within the next 10 years and prevent childbirth injuries in the future.
For women, for children, for humanity.
Ending Obstetric Fistula
Around 22,000 women live with the shame and misery of historic obstetric fistulas, with approximately 1,000 new cases each year.
This highly treatable and preventable childbirth injury will continue to devastate women’s lives unless we act now.
Project Zero is our plan to eradicate fistula forever.
The Reality for Women in Ethiopia
With two-thirds of the country covered by mountains, half of all Ethiopian women give birth at home with no medical supervision. Tragically, 90% of women who suffer an obstetric fistula give birth to a stillborn baby.
Many women are left infertile and rejected by their husbands and families. Thousands of women are trapped in this nightmare of pain, shame and isolation for years, even decades.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia can help these women and prevent this devastating trauma from happening in future.
In Ethiopia, 195 mothers die for every 100,000 births. In the United Kingdom, the rate is eight.
Our Impact
Under the pioneering guidance of Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin, over 82,000 Ethiopian women have had their lives transformed under the Hamlin Model of Care. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has developed the global standard in surgical fistula treatment, established a Midwifery College and trained hundreds of local midwives, created a network of Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics and developed rehabilitation programmes.
While enormous progress has been made, we must accelerate the rate of change to stop women needlessly suffering.
Strategic Funding Priorities
1. Build capacity
Build capacity in Ethiopia’s maternal healthcare system through Project Zero: our intervention and outreach program targeting rural areas.
2. Accelerate growth
Rapidly scale Project Zero to extend our reach and accelerate our work to eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, forever.
3. Maintain excellence
Continue what Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia does best: deliver world-leading treatment, prevention and rehabilitation programs.
A Solid Case for Investment
Proven track record
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has been working systemically to develop and deliver the Hamlin Model of Care for over 65 years. The end of fistula is in sight.
Transparent reporting
Catherine Hamlin Foundation International reporting is clear and backed by decades of data and evidence-driven impact including the comprehensive Project Zero Review of the Phase 1 Pilot.
Direct impact on the ground
Catherine Hamlin Foundation International directly supports Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia with no intermediaries to create better return on investment and immediate local impact.
Comprehensive and sound governance
Catherine Hamlin Foundation International has been operating for years with all necessary legal structures in place.
Supported by government in country
Catherine Hamlin Foundation International works directly with Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and has a long-standing and reputable relationship with local government and stakeholders.
Clear evidence of impact
Over 65 years of working in Ethiopia has created a data bank of impressive evidence of impact. Funding partners can have confidence in our transparency and reporting methods.
You Are in Control of Your Philanthropic Journey
We are passionate about working with Trusts, Foundations, corporates, and individuals to ensure your gift is directed to the program area that aligns with your philanthropic objectives.
We invite you to join us in supporting Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and staff who are dedicating their lives to improving maternal healthcare in Ethiopia and finish what Dr Catherine Hamlin started. Together we can reach our goal of eradicating fistula forever.
Support women in line with your philanthropic objectives
Tailored reporting and regular updates
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Stories about the women you are helping
Make a lasting impact on maternal healthcare in Ethiopia
Contact Us
We invite you to join us in supporting Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and staff who are dedicating their lives to improving maternal healthcare in Ethiopia. Together we can reach our goal of eradicating fistula forever.
For a confidential discussion please contact:
Nigel Brooksby
Chair Board of Trustees
Catherine Hamlin Foundation International
