“The smile on the face of my patients when their dignity is restored is the best part of my job. It’s why I won’t stop until Ethiopian mothers can enjoy a safe pregnancy, delivery and life with their children.”
– Dr Leta, Medical Director and Surgeon, Hamlin’s Harar Fistula Hospital
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
In addition to fistula repairs, Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia offers surgeries for gynecological conditions, including advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
POP can severely impact a woman’s quality of life as pelvic organs slip from their normal position into the vagina, causing a bulge. If the prolapse is left untreated, it can worsen, potentially obstructing kidneys or leading to infection. Pelvic organ prolapse similarly has devastating physical and psychological effects on women.
The Challenge in Ethiopia
Prolapse affects women worldwide, but in Africa, many women lack access to treatment.
In Ethiopia, a combination of high fertility rates, early pregnancies, childhood malnutrition, limited access to healthcare, and strenuous physical work leads to higher rates of prolapse.
Many women suffer from advanced POP, often accompanied by complications like bleeding and severe infections.
Hope for Prolapse Patients
Treatment for advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse can dramatically improve health and quality of life.
Despite growing attention to maternal health in Ethiopia, little focus has been placed on public health services for prolapse. Fortunately, Hamlin’s hospitals have specialists able to perform surgical repairs for advanced POP.
This vital treatment is provided free of charge.
Emama’s Story
Emama, 60, recently received successful surgery at Hamlin’s Bahir Dar Fistula Hospital to treat a POP that she had suffered with for 10 years.
She told us: “I felt ashamed to tell anyone what had happened, even my husband. I separated beds with him and tried to manage it by myself but the problem has been my everyday worry for the past 10 years.”
Emama explained the free surgery she received from Hamlin changed her life – “Thank you for curing me and giving me a happy ending to the rest of my life.”