ADDIS ABABA FISTULA HOSPITAL

Poor obstetric care can leave many women in the world permanently incontinent. Being wet all the time is extremely unpleasant.  The smell and condition causes many women to be ostracised by their husbands, families and communities.   They may then become outcasts. They can develop feelings of rejection and shame. It is estimated that at least 3 million women in the developing world suffer from this problem.

The Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia gives these women hope. They can operate and cure the incontinence permanently. The ladies are restored not only to physical health but have a hope for a brighter future, with a normal lifestyle and dignity.

The hospital not only performs operations but has outreach clinics and post fistula follow up. It aims to improve obstetric practice by education and training.   Dr Katherine Hamlin set up the hospital in 1974, and she is still involved in the work. It is the only hospital in the world to solely perform fistula surgery. It has a success rate of over 93% and, via the outreach centres, targets to help at least 4,000 women annually, free of charge.

CMaD has been contributing to this work for many years. In November 2008 we funded the full care for 15 women  - these costs includes the operation, physiotherapy, food and accommodation, and lastly the gift of a new dress to go back home in !

 There have been several visits from CBM members to this project. All visitors from the community are made to feel extremely welcome.  One said afterwards :

“We came away full of the feeling of great Christian love that is shown towards these women who have suffered so much. They arrive in despair. They go away with a great hope of life and encouragement that they can look to the future with confidence.

We came away very grateful for the experience and opportunity to have visited this place. Please continue making increased donations to their work”.