Hamlin midwives stand ready to support local community after devastating landslides in southwestern Ethiopia
Gezei Gofa Woreda (district) in southwestern Ethiopia has recently experienced devastating landslides. This natural disaster followed heavy rainfall on 21st and 22nd July 2024. The UN estimates 250 people lost their lives, with the total number of deaths feared to rise.
More than 15,000 people living in the affected area were advised to evacuate, due to risks of further landslides. They are being supported by local authorities and the Ethiopian Red Cross. Many are pregnant or nursing mothers, according to the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Hamlin has been supporting improving maternal health services in Gofa zone. A small number of Hamlin midwives are stationed at rural government health centres in the region.
Tesfaye Mamo, CEO of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, has confirmed that all Hamlin midwives based in the Gofa zone are safe. He also shared this message for supporters:
“All of us at Hamlin Fistula mourn the tragic loss of life caused by recent landslides in Gofa zone and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
We are particularly concerned about the pregnant women and new mothers who may need to evacuate the area.
Hamlin midwives based at our supported health centres in Gofa zone will be ready to support any displaced women who need pre-natal or ante-natal care in the aftermath of this devastating incident.”
Tesfaye Mamo, CEO, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia
For further information, please visit the UN News website.
