News Partnership Mobilizes Funds to Boost Obstetrics Fistula Care
May 31, 2025
A multi-stakeholder partnership on Friday (May 30) solicited funds to reinvigorate obstetrics fistula care in Ethiopia.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, named after the late Catherine Hamlin, has been struggling to fill the gap of obstetric fistula care in the country, dedicating to treat women who have suffered the most horrific childbirth injury.
Accordingly, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, and Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, today held a high-level strategic partnership and advocacy event in support of survivors of obstetric fistula. The event hosted under the theme ‘SEE THE UNSEEN: A Night to Restore Fistula Survivors’ Lives’ formed part of the commemoration of the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula.
“The stark lack of adequate skilled birth attendants and timely access to emergency obstetric care continue to challenge efforts on the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidities such as obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, with harmful practices like child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) being contributing factors,” a joint press release says.
Obstetric fistula is caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without timely access to emergency obstetric care. For too many women the condition results in constant incontinence, chronic pain, and a lifetime of stigma, abandonment, and isolation.
The Ministry of Health, according to the release, was spearheading a national campaign to eliminate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia by 2030 engaging various partners. The campaign aims to strengthen prevention strategies while accelerating the treatment of the backlog of obstetric fistula cases.
Around 9,000 women develop obstetric fistula each year in Ethiopia, with only 1,500 per year receiving the care they need at the 9 fistula treatment centers across the country.
The high-level event aimed at mobilizing resources and forging strategic partnerships to support critical work in obstetric fistula. The event engaged high-level stakeholders, the private sector, and development partners.
“The proceeds from the event will support free surgeries and comprehensive postoperative care for obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse survivors (another maternal health morbidity associated with childbirth), including identification and transportation,” the release said. “Support will also be provided for rehabilitation and psychosocial efforts to help survivors reintegrate back into their communities. Moreover, life skills and vocational training will be provided to support women’s economic independence and long-term recovery.”
The event which saw the presentation of testimonials and stories of survivors of obstetric fistula turned out to be an evening of inspiration, celebration, and renewed commitment to end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is a globally respected non-profit dedicated to ending obstetric fistula. For over 60 years, it has delivered surgical care, emotional healing, education, and reintegration support to Ethiopian women suffering from fistula.