Six years ago, Beritu Tadesse was brought to Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Bahir Dar after enduring days of labor that resulted in an obstetric fistula. She didn't understand what had happened to her. "I heard the word 'fistula' for the first time here," she said. Her family and the community in her village believed she was cursed and that there was no cure. However, the doctors at the hospital assured her that her body would recover, and they delivered on their promise.

Now, Beritu has returned to the Hospital to deliver her second baby. "They told me if I ever got pregnant again, I should come back to them. I am so glad I did. I had a smooth delivery, and I am grateful for the care and support they provide here," she said.

Founded with the mission to provide comprehensive care for women affected by obstetric fistula, Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Bahirdar has become a sanctuary for those in need. Obstetric fistula, a severe childbirth injury, often leaves women incontinent, shunned by their communities, and trapped in isolation. The hospital offers not only surgical repair but also holistic support to help these women reclaim their lives.

One of the many women who arrived at the hospital was Amina, a 27-year-old mother of three. During her fourth pregnancy, she was unable to find an ambulance to take her to a health post due to armed conflict in the region. Her labor lasted for days, ending in a stillbirth and a ruptured uterus. "I gave birth to my three children at the health post and planned to do the same with my fourth pregnancy. However, as my due date neared, the conflict came closer. There was a road closure, and the nearest health post was attacked. I couldn’t get help in time," she said. Her journey to Bahir Dar was long and arduous, marked by pain.

At Hamlin Fistula Hospital, Amina was greeted with compassion and understanding. Just a month after her surgery, she is grateful that her healing process has begun. "It’s a relief to my family and my three children who also suffered because of what happened to me. I am now hoping to get back to them as soon as possible," she said.

The hospital, with its dedicated team of medical professionals and psychosocial support staff, works tirelessly to restore the health and dignity of women who have endured the devastating effects of obstetric fistula. As Amina prepares to leave the hospital, her heart is full of gratitude and hope. She is eager to reunite with her family and reintegrate into her community, armed with new skills and a renewed sense of self-worth. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of comprehensive medical care and psychosocial support.

UNFPA and Hamlin Fistula Hospital’'s Impact on Women's Lives

UNFPA supports Hamlin Fistula Hospitals nationwide, enhancing  access to quality fistula care. UNFPA provides essential assistance by funding medical supplies,  providing training for healthcare workers, and implementing psychosocial programs. This collaborative partnership extends to community outreach programs, case identification, and awareness creation about obstetric fistula and maternal health. 

With the support of Japan, UNFPA also distributes dignity kits to women in the surrounding areas, ensuring they can manage sanitation and menstrual health with dignity.

Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Bahir Dar City stands as a testament to the profound impact of compassionate healthcare. It remains dedicated to restoring the lives of women like Amina, offering them not just medical treatment but a path to reclaim their lives and build their futures.