Dr Catherine Hamlin and Dr Reg Hamlin
Founders
Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin were pioneering obstetrician-gynaecologists who went to Ethiopia over 65 years ago to train midwives. Catherine was Australian and Reg originally from New Zealand. On arrival to Ethiopia, their attention soon turned to the plight of the obstetric fistula patients. Together, the Hamlins perfected the modern technique for obstetric fistula surgery and set up a network of hospitals in Ethiopia (Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia) to help these women. So far, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has helped more than 70,000 women. They lived and worked at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital until Reg passed away in 1993 (age 85), and Catherine in 2020 (age 96). Catherine was twice-nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. She was also awarded an Ethiopian citizenship by the late PM Meles Zenawi.
Dr Mengistu Asnake
Chair
Dr Mengistu has a medical degree from Gondar College of Medical Sciences and a Master’s in Public Health from Addis Ababa University. He is a Public Health specialist with more than 35 years of experience in reproductive health, primary health care, child survival, community health services, program management, research and clinical service delivery. He served as the President of the Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) from 2006-2009 and as a Vice- President and President for the World Federation of Public Health Association (WFPHA) from 2012-2016. Mengistu currently serves as the Senior Country Director of Pathfinder International in Ethiopia. Pathfinder is one of the largest maternal health NGOs in the world and their program in Ethiopia is extensive. Mengistu was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2015 and appointed Chair in 2021.
Dr Yigeremu Abebe Asemere
Director
Dr Yigeremu has a medical degree and a postgraduate diploma in Internal Medicine from the Addis Ababa University. He worked as a general practitioner whilst completing his postgraduate diploma. In 2006 Dr Yirgeremu was appointed the Country Director in Ethiopia for the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) leading a large program combat HIV/AIDS and other preventable and treatable diseases in Ethiopia. He recently retired from that position. Yigeremu was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2015.
Dr Kebede Worku
Director
Dr Kebede Worku has a medical degree from Addis Ababa University and a strong background in Public Health programmatic and operational leadership. He is Senior Advisor to the Ethiopian Minister of Health. He was previously the State Minister for Health for Ethiopia and has previously served as a member of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria; Chairperson of the African Constituency Bureau of the Global Fund, Chairperson of Tikur Anbessa Hospital (Black Lion Hospital), Chairperson of Ethiopia’s national Nutrition Coordination Body and he oversaw development and execution of Ethiopia’s national HIV Prevention and Control Program. Kebede was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.
Dr Mahlet Yigeramu Gebremariam
Director
Dr Mahlet Yigeremu Gebremariam is Consultant Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University. She was previously Dean of School of Medicine Addis Ababa University and CEO of Tikur Anbessa Hospital (Black Lion Hospital). She is a dedicated advocate and researcher for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Mahlet was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.
Ato Jemal Kassaw
Trustee
Mr Jemal Kassaw is Ethiopia Country Representative, EngenderHealth and has worked with the organization for 16 years. He was previously HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator and Health and Nutrition Advisory to Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief and he has served as Chair of the Board for the Consortium of Reproductive Health Associations (CORHA) and on the boards and advisory councils of a number of public health associations and advocates for gender equity and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Jemal was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.
Ms Tadelech Shiferaw
Trustee
Ms Tadelech Shiferaw is the Director of International Banking at Enat Bank S.C. in Ethiopia. Enat Bank S.C. was established by 11 visionary women to empower women financially. Previously, Tadelech’s previous roles were in banking and risk management in Ethiopia. Tadelech holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Addis Ababa University and a Master of Business Administration from Rift Valley University. Tadelech was appointed to the Board of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in 2021.
Dr Biniyam Sirak
Acting CEO, Medical Director and Surgeon
Dr Sirak oversees clinical operations at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and five regional fistula hospitals across Ethiopia. For the past over 15 years, Dr Biniyam Sirak has worked as a doctor, specialising in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urogynaecology. His expertise has led him to teach Gynaecology at a tertiary level and is now a Urogynecology fellow. A talented medical professional, Biniyam was drawn to working with Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia due to its best-practice maternal care.
Dr Anteneh Dirar
Dean of the Hamlin College of Midwives
Dr. Anteneh is the Dean of Hamlin College of Midwives, where he also serves as an Assistant Professor. He holds a BSc degree in Public Health, M.Phil. in Public Health (Reproductive Health), Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Teaching from Haramaya University, and PhD from Addis Ababa University. His background includes over fifteen years of progressive responsibility in higher education sector including working as lecturer, assistant professor, department head, and programme director level.
Ms Tigist Aman
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Manager
Tigist has a BA in Educational Planning and Management and an MA in Educational Leadership and Management from Addis Ababa University. She has 24 years experience working in the humanitarian sector. She has been with Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia since 2009 as adult & non-formal education facilitator & learning coordinator. In her role as Rehabilitation and Reintegration Manager, she has been empowering patients to help them enhance their self-esteem, contribute in their communities and be self-sufficient to escape poverty. Prior to joining Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, Tigist worked as a teacher and instructor in various private and governmental educational institutions from preschool to college levels.
Ms Konjit Kassahun
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Manager
Konjit joined Hamlin in 2005 and held various clinical roles including serving four years as Matron of Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. Konjit holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Psychology from the Addis Ababa University. Konjit is a passionate advocate for both current graduates of Hamlin College of Midwives and is working to expand the prevention programme including overseeing, manage and follow the progress of Project Zero – obstetric fistula eradication programme. Besides, Konjit ensure all Hamlin midwives have the support they require to undertake their important work in the government partner health centres.
Mamitu Gashe
Surgeon, Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
Mamitu Gashe is Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s longest standing Fistula Surgeon. A former patient, Mamitu trained under Drs Catherine and Reg Hamlin. In 1989, along with Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin, Mamitu won the Gold Medal for surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons in London. In 2000, she began travelling to spread the Hamlin Model of Care in obstetric fistula treatment across the world. Today, Mamitu continues to work alongside other surgeons at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.