Hamlin’s Fistula Hospitals

Hamlin’s Fistula Hospitals

Initially working from the Princess Tsehai Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin refined the surgical technique to repair obstetric fistula injuries, while continuing to treat a broad range of obstetric cases. Within the first three years, Reg and Catherine had operated on 300 fistula patients. 

As news of a cure spread, many more patients came seeking treatment. To cater for the demand Catherine and Reg began fundraising and opened the now world-renowned Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in 1974.

In addition to Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Catherine went on to establish five regional fistula hospitals throughout Ethiopia to ensure access for women in remote areas. All six Hamlin fistula hospitals also provide a birthing facility where former patients can return for a safe caesarean delivery, free of charge, thanks to generous donors. 

Today, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is fully staffed by over 550 Ethiopians who continue Catherine’s legacy of transforming maternal healthcare for women across Ethiopia.