Helping Ethiopian Women with Fistula Surgeries

Health & research

Jan 26

Who: The Ethiopia Fund

What: Fistula Operations

Where: Ethiopia

Project period: 2012 – 2023

Web: The Ethiopia Fund

The Ethiopia Fund is a project for women in Ethiopia suffering serious birth damages called fistula.

A fistula is created when the woman does not receive obstetric care (like a cesarean section) if complications occur during labour. Due to interruption in blood circulation, the tissue dies, and as a result a hole develops between the vagina and the bladder (and/or the vagina and rectum) resulting in chronic leakage of urine (and/or perhaps faeces). Unfortunately, most babies die, and due to lack of water and clean clothes, the smell becomes unbearable for those around her. She is often rejected by her husband, family, and society, and her life becomes one of sorrow, shame, loneliness and eternal poverty.

The Ethiopia Fund´s goal is to prevent fistula by educating midwives at the bachelor level. So far, 10 student-midwives supported by Grieg Foundation have qualified from Hamlin Midwifery College in Addis Ababa.

In addition, we support fistula operations at Asella Fistula Centre through Hope Of Light (HOL). HOL is run by one of the most experienced fistula surgeons in the world, Dr Ambaye W. Michael. Our goal is to operate at least 150 women a year.

The Ethiopia Fund would like to thank Grieg Foundation immensely for making all these miracles possible and by supporting this important cause since 2012.