Making Motherhood Safer in EthiopiaÂ
Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labor. It often results in a stillbirth, chronic incontinence, spousal abandonment, social stigma, and personal shame.
But there is hope. Our vision is to make a fistula free Ethiopia.
What is obstetric fistula?
Obstetric fistula is a devastating childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labor. It often results in a stillbirth, chronic incontinence, spousal abandonment, social stigma, and personal shame.
But there is hope. Our vision is to make a fistula free Ethiopia.
How we are making
Ethiopia fistula free
Prevention
Eliminate obstetric fistula by training fistula survivors as Safe Motherhood Ambassadors who provide education and access to safe delivery options for pregnant mothers.
Reintegration
Rehabilitate women recovering from fistula with education, economic empowerment and counseling to transform their lives and support social reintegration.
Identification
Identify existing cases of fistula for treatment (referred to fistula hospitals for treatment and then invited to join the Healing Hands of Joy Safe Motherhood Ambassador program).
The Safe Motherhood
Ambassador Program
We have developed a holistic rehabilitation program to help fistula survivors to rediscover their joy and self-esteem, then train them as educators so that they can reclaim their sense of purpose.
Our Safe Motherhood Ambassadors turn their greatest shame into their greatest strength. One Ambassador reaches an average of 94 other women with life-saving maternal health education.
Learn more about our Safe Motherhood Ambassador model with our short film The Ambassador, narrated by Natalie Imbruglia.
You have helped us make
an incredible difference
Safe Motherhood Ambassadors Trained
We help fistula survivors rediscover their joy and self-esteem, then train them to educate their communities about maternal health.
Male Family Members Trained
We turn the men in our Ambassadors’ lives into allies in fistula prevention and recovery.
Participants in Stakeholder Workshops
Stakeholder Workshops allow us to connect our Safe Motherhood Ambassadors with influential members of their communities that can form a support network for their work and reintegration.
Community Members Reached
We use community engagement events to spread maternal health education to the most remote areas of Ethiopia, making sure no woman is left to suffer needlessly from fistula.
Stories of Perseverence
Join the Healing Circle and help us end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia
Help bring healing to fistula survivors. For as little as $35 a month, you can transform a woman’s life with training, supplies, and equipment. Join the Healing Circle today!
Mailing Address
PO Box 30431
Charlotte, NC 28230