Impact Report: April-June 2026
September 07, 2026
YOUR impact for women in Ethiopia
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia continues to:
- reach women living with devastating childbirth injuries,
- provide expert treatment and rehabilitation, and
- help prevent future injuries by training a new generation of midwives to work in rural communities.
Explore Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia's most recent impact data below.
Latest results: April-June 2026
1,011 life-changing surgeries*
were performed across Hamlin's six hospitals, with an average fistula closure rate of 94%
82,000 women's lives restored
since Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin began their work in Ethiopia more than 67 years ago
*includes both obstetric fistula and prolapse surgeries
Prevention
Prevention remains a priority for Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.
Dr Catherine knew that ending fistula could only be achieved if all Ethiopian women could access skilled maternal care.
Since the Hamlin College of Midwives opened its doors in 2007, 294 midwives have graduated, with each student undertaking a 3-year minimum deployment to a rural area, providing much needed support to underserved communities.
82 students are studying for a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
12 students are undertaking a Masters of Science in Clinical Midwifery
Project Zero
Project Zero was launched in 2023 by Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia to accelerate the eradication of obstetric fistula across all regions of Ethiopia – step by step, woreda (district) by woreda.
In April-June 2026, 84 women with childbirth injuries were identified, and referred to treatment at a Hamlin hospital.
14,398 households surveyed
to find women living with historic childbirth injuries who may otherwise remain hidden, unaware that treatment for their condition is available.
54 community outreach events
took place in markets, schools and other community gatherings to help raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding childbirth injuries.
Rehabilitation & Reintegration
The Hamlin Model of Care recognises that the impact of obstetric fistula goes far beyond the physical injury. It treats the whole person with dignity, respect and compassion, supporting each woman’s physical, emotional and social recovery.
At Hamlin hospitals, all women are supported to rebuild their confidence, develop literacy and numeracy skills, and prepare for life after treatment.
The Women's Empowerment Program, a 6-week residential program at Desta Mender, Hamlin's Rehabilitation and Reintegration centre, offers additional learning opportunities. Women undertake vocational training while also benefiting from additional courses in entrepreneurship and life skills.
Each graduate returns home with seed money, and a mobile phone, ready to launch a new business, and begin a life of independence.
403 women completed numeracy, literacy, vocational training and group counselling
during April-June 2026
258 women graduated from the Women's Empowerment Program at Desta Mender
during July 2025-June 2026
We don’t just treat the hole in the bladder, we treat the whole patient with love and tender care, literacy and numeracy classes, a brand-new dress and money to travel home.
- Dr Catherine Hamlin AC
Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Elders past, present and emerging throughout Australia and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways on which our Australian office is situated. We acknowledge the many ethnic groups in Ethiopia and their ancestral and cultural connection to the land where our work is undertaken.