Bekelu* was shunned for years…then someone like you wrapped her in care.

“I faced this devastating problem [fistula] and started living with stress and poverty. I never knew there was a cure.”

Bekelu

Bekelu’s painful, obstructed labour went on for two days. With no medical support available during her labour, she finally gave birth to a stillborn baby and was left with an obstetric fistula and leaking urine.

As if that weren’t enough, a few years after her injury, a conflict broke out around Bekelu’s village and she was displaced from her home. Like most women in her village, Bekelu had never seen a doctor. She thought her injury and incontinence must be punishment for wrongdoing.

After six years of suffering, Bekelu had given up all hope of a better life. 

Finally, one of her friends at the church compound told Bekelu about Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

When women like Bekelu step into one of the six Hamlin fistula hospitals across the country, thanks to your support we are there to help them heal.

Your support wraps them in the love they have been shut out from

When Bekelu arrived, she was welcomed with love and care. Here, people did not turn away or look at her with distaste. They spoke with her, touched her gently, and gave her a Fresh Start Pack with a soft hand-made blanket that was hers to keep. It felt warm and comforting around her. There were other items too, things to help her stay clean.

It was in this community that Bekelu first began to heal.

“The moment I arrived I felt a big relief of my pain. The beautiful compound, the motherly welcome and everything was so amazing. We took shower, provided with new pajamas, slippers and a Hamlin blanket which made us feel renewed.” 

Bekelu

You support them through their life-changing surgery

An operation repaired her injury and while Bekelu recovered, she wore the clean night shirt that was in her Fresh Start Pack. Bekelu learned about hygiene and how to care for herself. She learned how to write her name and use numbers.

As her self-worth grew, she started to plan for a new life.

You help them return home with confidence and pride

When Bekelu left Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, she felt healed, empowered and ready to rebuild her life.

Thanks to supporters like you, patients like Bekelu know how it feels to be wrapped in loving care.

“After I came here I became hopeful. We miss nothing. Everything is full. We are receiving the utmost care. The doctors are committed for our cure. I plan to spread information about this hospital so more women like me would come for cure.”

Bekelu