“My dream is to eradicate obstetric fistula from Ethiopia. I won’t achieve this in my lifetime, but you can in yours.”
– Dr Catherine Hamlin
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia works with a range of Program Partners to further develop and strengthen program areas. Collaborative partnerships aid best-practice operations and delivery, helping to ensure the best possible health outcomes for Ethiopia’s women.
UNFPA Ethiopia
In 2019, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia partnered with UNFPA Ethiopia to enhance maternal health outcomes for Ethiopian women suffering from untreated obstetric fistula injuries. From 2019 to 2022, they implemented the project titled Improved Access to Treat Fistula and Uterine Prolapse Cases at Hamlin Fistula Centers. From 2023 to 2025, the focus has shifted to Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) across Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Addis Ababa, Benishangul-Gumuz, South Ethiopia, Somali, and Sidama Regions.
This partnership aimed to improve treatment for obstetric fistula and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) through a range of initiatives, including examinations, treatment, referrals, and advocacy workshops. These efforts raised awareness about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV). Key accomplishments included serving over 1,444 fistula patients and 1,776 individuals with POP, training healthcare providers, and engaging community leaders in dialogue.
In the 2023–2025 phase, the project continues its commitment to women’s health and empowerment by providing training and support services, including life skills and reintegration programs for survivors. Overall, the partnership reflects a strong dedication to improving access to women’s healthcare and addressing the impacts of conflict and GBV on women’s health.
Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and GreenLamp
Inspired by Dr. Catherine and Reg Hamlin, GreenLamp was founded with the vision of “A bright future for women and their communities” and operates under the mission of “Learn, Light & Lead.”
Since 2012, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia has collaborated with GreenLamp to enhance maternal health outcomes for women in rural Ethiopia by focusing on education and the prevention of birth injuries.
LEARN
Since 2014, GreenLamp has sponsored over 51 midwifery students to complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree at the Hamlin College of Midwives. Deploying skilled midwives in rural areas is a key component of Catherine’s prevention strategy to combat birth injuries and fistulas. Each graduate receives a rechargeable surgical headlamp, training on solar installations, access to an alumni network, and participates in a two-day communication and leadership course. Additionally, clinical skill models like Mama Birthies enhance their learning and skill development.
LIGHT
The “Light 4 Life” program funds sustainable lighting and power to over 340 Hamlin partner and government health centers, especially where reliable power is typically unavailable. In collaboration with the Solar Energy Foundation, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and GreenLamp install solar panels and equipment in rural centers where Hamlin graduates work. This includes surgical-quality lighting and facilities for charging cell phones for emergency referrals, as well as storing essential delivery-related medicines. The “Light 4 Life – Sustainability Program” ensures ongoing quality through monitoring, training of local health staff, and regular maintenance, fostering trust in local communities and encouraging women to seek help, thus reducing traumatic birth injuries and preventable deaths.
LEAD
In 2018, the Hamlin College of Midwives and GreenLamp established the Hamlin Midwives Alumni Network (HMAN) – a network to provide post-graduate training and leadership skills, ongoing personal and career support for graduates of the Hamlin College of Midwives. HMAN aims to promote continuous professional development, leadership workshops, and sharing of best practices among midwives, developing the midwives VOICE, as well as the facilitation of feedback from midwives on projects, equipment and skills training. Members connect online and at annual regional meetings, fostering support and communication within the network. Regional representatives are selected by members in each area to manage and coordinate communication and support between midwives.
“GreenLamp and the Hamlin College of Midwives initiated and developed HMAN to create momentum and motivation for the midwives to stay active in their profession as caring and skilled midwives as well as to lead improvements in maternity services locally. In addition, they indirectly act as role models and leaders for improving maternal health for women and girls in the communities they serve. We believe that they are absolutely key to providing safe deliveries in rural communities, and the more support they receive in the field, the more likely it will be that the important work they perform will prevent birth injuries and eradicate fistula.”
Joanna Boyd, President of GreenLamp
For Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, the establishment of an alumni network significantly contributes to sustaining the quality of education received at the Hamlin College of Midwives. In essence, by providing Hamlin Midwives with ongoing support and training, HMAN makes great midwives even better!
Women’s Hope International
Women’s Empowerment Program
In 2021, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia in partnership with Women’s Hope International, launched the Women’s Empowerment Program, a vocational training initiative for former patients needing income generation support at the Desta Mender – Rehabilitation and Reintegration Center . This three-month residential program is designed to equip women with practical vocational skills that are essential for their economic independence.
Supported by Women’s Hope International, the program offers training in various fields, including catering, agricultural processing, vegetable and poultry farming, beekeeping, and pottery. The quality and scope of the vocational training continue to improve thanks to enhanced patient profiling, updated training manuals, and collaboration with training institutes. Participants are empowered to build a brighter future with increased income opportunities and personal choices.
Feedback from former patients has been overwhelmingly positive; many, like Mulu, share transformative experiences. Mulu expressed her joy upon being invited to the training after her recovery, stating, “I used to live in much suffering… I hope to open a small inn in my village and sell food.” Since its inception, the program has profoundly impacted numerous women, providing them with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.