Updates from my trip to southern Ethiopia
Earlier in the summer, Hamlin Fistula UK CEO Helen Marriott visited Ethiopia to see first-hand the impact of your support. In this blog, she shares her highlights and a photo gallery from the trip.
I have recently returned from a profoundly moving visit to Ethiopia. It is always inspiring to spend time with Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia staff and patients.
We arrived in Addis to beautiful sunshine. The weather was matched by the warmth of the welcome from our colleagues and friends at Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia CEO Tesfaye Mamo asked me to pass on his gratitude to all UK supporters.
Yirgalem Fistula Hospital
The next day, we had an early start for our trip to Yirgalem Fistula Hospital. As we flew into the city of Awasa in Southern Ethiopia, we enjoyed the breathtaking view of the Great Rift Valley. The landscape was dotted with traditional Ethiopian tukuls (round, thatched houses).
Hamlin’s Yirgalem Fistula Hospital is about 45 minutes outside Awasa. On arrival, a group of women were taking part in their daily education class. The were all wrapped in the vibrant blankets knitted by our kind-hearted UK volunteers. I was touched to see some of them holding their babies, knowing what they’ve been through simply to be mothers of live, healthy babies.
We were given a tour of the facilities and I donned surgical scrubs to enter the operating room. Dr Wondu, Yirgalem’s gynaecologist, obstetrician and fistula surgeon, explained that he had 3 surgeries planned for that day.
I was excited to see the new facilities under construction, including a much-needed new education room. Generous donations from UK-based supporters have made this essential work possible.
Gorche Health Centre
Our next stop was a Hamlin-supported midwifery clinic at Gorche Health Centre, around 40km away. The road there was almost non-existent – a treacherous, rocky track amidst hilly terrain. It was a stark reminder of how difficult it is for many Ethiopian women to access vital health services.
We were greeted at the Centre by Hamlin midwife Elshaday. Her passion and commitment to the women she serves were clear to see. She told us about her work in remote communities, urging women to attend their antenatal clinic appointments. She showed us the various rooms for ultrasound consultations, labour and recuperation.
The centre has around 40 antenatal appointments a month and between 15-20 births a week. With Elshaday as her midwife, any woman would be in good hands.
Photo gallery from Yirgalem and Gorche
My take-aways
Throughout my trip, I was deeply moved by the contrast between patients awaiting surgery and those who had already had their operations. It was both stark and inspiring.
It brought home the extraordinary transformation that surgery and compassionate care can make.
One message echoed by everyone I met was gratitude. Each person wanted to thank you and all our supporters in the UK for your incredible generosity. Your donations are truly making a difference and helping us create a brighter future for women in Ethiopia.
