Within six weeks of taking office in January, President Trump cut 83% of USAID’s programmes. For Ethiopia, the largest recipient of USAID in sub-Saharan Africa, this was devastating.

USAID funding priorities included malnutrition and maternal health. Women supported by Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia are already feeling the impact.

In rural areas, pregnant women often travel hours by foot or motorbike to reach health centres. During their stay they eat a traditional porridge made from maize or wheat flour, flavoured with spices and butter. This dish is a rich source of energy and essential nutrients.

USAID has been funding the porridge ingredients. Now, a woman waiting to give birth can only be fed if her friends and family supply food. As a result, there has been a reduction in the number of women attending health centres to give birth. This will significantly increase the risk of obstetric fistula.

Your donations are helping to fill the gap

Following a visit to southern Ethiopia in February, our CEO Helen Marriott shared a heartfelt fundraising appeal. 150 supporters responded immediately, donating over £15,000 to this urgent appeal.

The Band Aid Charitable Trust, who have supported Hamlin Fistula for six years, also offered funding for a pilot project providing nutritious food for expectant mothers. The project aims to address the risk of maternal malnutrition and encourage more women to attend health centres to give birth.

Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia will supply nutritious food for more than 550 women at 8 health centres in the Sidama region.

The project will target expectant mothers who are at risk of malnutrition or food insecurity.

The food provided will be made with locally-available ingredients and served in the form of a traditional porridge.

Will you show your support by making a donation today?

Together as a community, we can help more women in Ethiopia.