“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’s Partners
Collaboration is central to HFE’s mission to improve maternal health and eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia. We work alongside government agencies, academic institutions, international organisations, healthcare providers, and community partners to strengthen health systems; expand access to quality care for women and girls; contribute to global advocacy, knowledge sharing, and collective action to improve maternal health outcomes worldwide.
Ethiopian Ministry of Health & Regional Health Bureaus: HFE works in close partnership with the National and State Ministries of Health, regional Health Bureaus, local NGO partners, and midwifery agencies to strengthen maternal health services and improve outcomes for women across Ethiopia. These partnerships support national priorities in maternal and newborn health, workforce development, and fistula prevention and treatment.
Ministry of Health Fistula Eradication Taskforce: HFE is the reference organisation for best practice in obstetric fistula treatment and HFE surgeons participate in the Ministry of Health Obstetric Fistula Eradication Taskforce contributing expertise, training, and proven methodologies that support the long-term eradication of fistula in Ethiopia. HFE is also an active member of the Obstetric Fistula Eradication Technical Working Group (TWG), which is a specialized task force managed under a country’s Ministry of Health (MoH) Reproductive Health department. It brings together government entities, clinical specialists, and global health partners to systematically prevent, treat, and eliminate obstetric fistula.
Federal Government – National Education & Training Authority: The Hamlin College of Midwifery’s undergraduate and master-level programs are accredited through the Federal Government National Education & Training Authority and the Ministry of Health. This partnership ensures the College maintains the highest educational and professional standards for midwifery training. HFE is also accredited by the MoH as a National Continuing CPD trainer of Health Professionals in Ethiopia; and an internationally accredited trainer with FIGO.
Academic & Professional Institutions: We collaborate with leading academic and professional institutions including the Addis Ababa University, Mekelle University, Karolinska Institutet Sweden, the Ethiopian Midwives Association and the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists to strengthen education, research, and professional development for clinicians throughout Ethiopia.
Hospitals & Medical Colleges: HFE maintains important clinical partnerships with hospitals and medical colleges across Ethiopia, including Catholic Hospital of Awassa, St Paul’s University Hospital, and Yekatit 12 Medical College. These collaborations support specialist training, clinical mentorship, and the delivery of comprehensive maternal healthcare services.
UNFPA: With the support of UNFPA, our team delivers multiple maternal health projects focused on improving access to quality care, strengthening health systems, and supporting women and girls living in vulnerable and underserved communities and conflict areas. This partnership has enabled thousands of women to access HFE’s treatment services, while also training health professionals in the identification, referral, and management of obstetric fistula. In addition, vocational skills training is provided to women and girls, helping them rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
GIZ: Through its partnership with GIZ, HFE focuses on preventing female genital mutilation (FGM), obstetric fistula, and child/early marriage. The collaboration strengthens awareness efforts and builds capacity among midwives, health extension workers (HEWs), health development armies (HDAs), and local authorities, ensuring communities are better equipped to protect women and girls and promote safe maternal health.
NGO Partners: HFE partners with international NGO’s including the ICRC, Second Chance, Village Health Partnership, CCRDA, Healing Hands of Joy, and Greenlamp, to improve healthcare access for women in conflict-affected and remote communities. These partnerships strengthen outreach, rehabilitation, and referral pathways for women requiring specialist care.
Campaign to End Fistula & PMNCH: HFE is a proud member of the global Campaign to End Fistula and the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH).
Project Zero Partners: Project Zero brings together local NGOs, regional health partners, government stakeholders, and international donors in a coordinated effort to improve maternal health and eradicate birth injuries across Ethiopia.