I was born and grew up in Ethiopia, and I first heard about Hamlin from my aunt. She told me about the treatment she received there for obstetric fistula. She always talked about how they helped her get her health and her life back.
I work as the Finance and Supporter Care Officer for Hamlin Fistula UK at our office in Birmingham. My role is to talk to our supporters, process donations and collect and pack donated blankets. But long before I applied for this role, I had heard many stories about Dr Catherine Hamlin and how the hospital she founded changes women’s lives.
Earlier this year, I travelled home to Ethiopia to celebrate my wedding with friends and family. I was also able to visit Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital for the first time.
When I first arrived, I was welcomed by Tseganesh, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s Communications Officer. She showed me around and explained how all the hospital departments work together.
Healing starts where hope begins
First we met Dr Betelhem in the Outpatients Department. She explained that many women arrive after travelling for days. Some have lived with their condition for a long time. Many believe there is no treatment for them.
Before we left her office, I asked Dr Betelhem what she liked most about her work. She smiled and said, “The moment I tell them their condition can be treated.”
This helped me understand that healing at Hamlin starts before surgery. It starts when somebody listens and offers words of comfort. Finally, women have hope that they can be cured.
The journey of a blanket
Tseganesh explained that every woman receives a Fresh Start Pack when she arrives. It includes a hand-knitted blanket, a nightdress, soap and slippers.
One of the most emotional parts of my visit was seeing all the women wearing their colourful knitted blankets. I recognised the blankets right away!
For the past year, I have helped collect and pack thousands of blankets ready to be sent from the UK to Ethiopia. Seeing them wrapped around the women made me think about the long journey each blanket has taken.
I speak to many supporters in the UK who spend hours knitting blankets for women they may never meet. Their kindness travels very far, to become part of a woman’s recovery. This moment made my day-to-day work feel very meaningful to me.
When I’m back at my desk in UK, every blanket I pack and every supporter I speak to will remind me about the women I met. I will remember the staff’s kindness and the hope I felt in the hospital.
Helping women feel confident again
My next stop was the surgery and recovery ward. I met Dr Bitew Abebe, who explained the skill and care needed to repair fistula injuries.
I saw the staff treating women with warmth and kindness. The care they gave did not look like just a job, it felt very personal. They help women recover physically, but also help them feel confident again.
This care continues in the Rehabilitation department, which includes education, physiotherapy and psychiatry. Women do physical therapy to recover. They also learn new skills and receive counselling to help them deal with the emotional pain that can come with fistula.
Our final stop was maternity ward. I met Sister Tizita and she explain that many women treated at Hamlin come back later to give birth safely. For me, this shows the long-term impact of Hamlin’s work. Women who first arrive thinking there is no hope, come back again to start a new, happier chapter in their life.
A new perspective on Hamlin
Before my visit I thought I understood what Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia does. But now I know it is much more than a hospital. It is a place where women get dignity back, rebuild their confidence and get a chance to start again.
Many years ago, one of those women was my aunt. So I know that even after experiencing obstetric fistula, women can live happy lives. She was a very strong women and that’s how I will always remember her. I’m very thankful for everyone who helped, is helping and continues to help women like my aunt to reclaim their lives.
Your support makes a difference
The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital gives women a chance to heal, build their confidence and have a fresh start. Your support makes this possible.
For just £33, you can give a woman a fresh start.
