Impact Report: October 2025-March 2026
May 21, 2026
YOUR impact for women in Ethiopia
During October 2025-March 2026,
- Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s clinical team performed 2,276 life-changing surgeries at Hamlin’s six fistula hospitals in Addis Ababa, Mekele, Yirgalem, Metu, Harar, and Bahir Dar. The fistula closure rate was 94%.
- Hamlin Midwives safely delivered 19,221 babies and prevented countless childbirth injuries, while also providing antenatal care to 26,411 pregnant women across the country.
- At Desta Mender rehabilitation and reintegration centre, 1,033 women completed essential numeracy and literacy learning, vocational training, and group counselling. In addition, 93 former fistula patients graduated from the Women's Empowerment Program, returning to their communities with new skills and knowledge.
None of these achievements for women in Ethiopia are possible without the ongoing commitment and generosity of our supporters.
2,276 total surgeries*
during October-March 2026.
94% closure rate
achieved for obstetric fistula surgery.
*includes both obstetric fistula and prolapse surgeries
Prevention
During October 2025-March 2026, 19,221 babies were safely delivered by Hamlin Midwives.
More than 26,000 women attended at at least one antenatal visit at a Hamlin-supported rural clinic, while 19,420 completed the recommended World Health Organization minimum of 4 antenatal sessions.
23 students graduated with a BSc in Midwifery
29 students graduated with a MSc 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.
6 woredas
active with Project Zero
677 women
with childbirth injuries found and treated
103,569 households
reached through house-to-house surveys
Rehabilitation & Reintegration
Desta Mender is Hamlin's Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre where where longer-term fistula patients with more severe injuries can continue to heal.
1,033 women gained essential skills and support
by completing numeracy and literacy learning, vocational training, and group counselling.
93 women graduated from the Women's Empowerment Program
returning home to their communities with new skills and knowledge to restart their lives.
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.