After three days of obstructed labour, Debritu was left traumatised and grieving. Her baby had died. She had sustained a devastating childbirth injury. And worst of all, there was nobody to help her.

Debritu is from a remote village in the Wollega region of Oromia. Like many women in rural Ethiopia, she gave birth at home without skilled medical care. When complications began, she endured hour after hour of labour, hoping for a healthy birth. But as the days passed, her pain turned to fear. Still, no help came.

Eventually, Debritu reached a health centre. But by then, it was too late. Her baby had died and she had developed an obstetric fistula. This is a preventable childbirth injury that leaves women incontinent. The impact is not only physical. It can lead to deep emotional pain and social exclusion.

“I was overwhelmed by shame and felt alone. The condition caused uncontrollable incontinence and I experienced stigma from friends and family due to the smell.”

For years, Debritu lived with this grief in silence. Until one day, she heard about Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.

A hospital built for women like Debritu

When Debritu arrived at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, everything changed. She was no longer alone. She was welcomed with kindness and compassion. She was given a handmade blanket, crafted with love by volunteers in the UK.

This blanket was part of a Fresh Start Pack given to every woman when she arrives at a Hamlin hospital. For Debritu, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. She received expert surgical care, counselling and support to help her rebuild her confidence.

Her injury was treated. Her strength began to return.

And then, something unexpected happened.

A safe birth and a new beginning

One day, Debritu found out she was pregnant again. It was a moment filled with both joy and worry. But this time, she was not facing it alone. She returned to the hospital where she had first been treated. There, she would give birth safely under the care of the team she already knew and trusted.

Because of Debritu’s previous injury, a regular birth was not recommended, and so Dr Tigist Tesfa, an experienced obstetrician and gynaecologist performed a caesarean delivery.

“We strive to give a positive birth experience,” said Dr Tigist. “This is a happy story because not a lot of women are lucky enough to have a healthy baby in a good facility like this. So today is a good day for us and the family.”

Debritu gave birth to a healthy baby. She had access to the medical care she needed. She was supported. She was safe.

“I travelled to the hospital. The staff’s warmth and kindness provided hope,” she said. “I am now cured and I am holding my child in my arms. It feels like a miracle.”

Your support made this possible

Because of people like you, women like Debritu can receive free treatment. Your donations make this possible. You are helping to restore health, confidence and independence.

Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia continues to reach women in some of the most remote areas of the country. There are still thousands of women living with untreated childbirth injuries. But with your help, we can find and care for every single one.

You can help today.

Donate now to support free surgery and care for women in Ethiopia.