So let us come together and join forces. We must join forces to fight stigma and discrimination. Let us build on the resiliance and leadership of women.
—Thoraya A. Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA
“Lighting a Candle”
“I just want the world to know that there are women suffering
and there’s something that can be done about it.”
Dr. E. Catherine Hamlin AC
The Hamlin Fistula Relief and Aid Fund in Australia has just released “Lighting a Candle,” a one-hour documentary funded by the Australian Government depicting the work of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, founded by Dr. Catherine Hamlin and her late husband, Dr. Reginald Hamlin, to prevent and treat obstetric fistula.
The Hamlins, who are considered the pioneers in obstetric fistula management and are also among the most prestigious and active partners within the Global Campaign to End Fistula, started their work in the 1960’s.
Back then, it was a mission far ahead of its time in regard to women’s health in Africa. Today, Dr. Catherine Hamlin, who is in her eighties, still operates and the work of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital continues to expand across the country.
Director Steven Salgo has captured the essence of the lifelong dedication of Dr. Hamlin. In the video, as the audience sees the hospital’s holistic approach to meeting women’s health issues, the story weaves uplifting accounts of treatment and care with prevention strategies involving the training of rural midwives at the recently established Hamlin College of Midwives.
A journey across Ethiopia, the video shows the transformation in the lives of rural women who have been treated at the hospital. It also shows the lives of two midwifery students in their distant home villages, providing some insight into the often harsh realities of remote rural communities where access to maternal health care is virtually nonexistent.
The video also highlights shy Mamitu Gashe, now a famous fistula surgeon and trainer who arrived on the Hamlins’ doorstep nearly 50 years ago as a young, destitute girl living with fistula.
“The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital is a highly valued collaborator in the global Campaign to End Fistula, launched by UNFPA and partners in 2003,” said Ms. Gillian Slinger, the new Campaign coordinator. “The Lighting a Candle documentary is an inspiring portrayal of the remarkable achievements of the Addis Ababa Hospital in the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula.”
For more information about the video, please access: http://www.hamlinfistula.org.au/
Learn more about key partners of the Campaign to End Fistula:
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