Making Motherhood Safer in Ethiopia 

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

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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.

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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).

Ambassador Azalech Tsigie smiles with her PPE mask askew

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.

Experience our founder’s story in our 10th anniversary film, The Journey to Joy.

Healing Circle Logo

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