Dr Catherine Hamlin laid to rest

Addis Ababa, March 20, 2020 (FBC) – Dr Catherine Hamlin, co-founder of Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation, has been laid to rest at St Peter and St Paul Catholic Cemetery in Addis Ababa today.

Dr Hamlin passed away peacefully at her home in Addis Ababa on March 18, 2020 at the age of 96.

Dr Hamlin, together with her husband the late Dr Reg Hamlin, established treatment centre for women suffering from the debilitating effects of obstetric fistula.

Over the past 61 years, more than 60,000 Ethiopian women have received the life-changing reconstructive surgery for obstetric fistula.

Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed expressed his deep grief over the death of Hamlin.

“Ethiopia lost a true gem who dedicated more than sixty years to restoring the dignity of thousands of women,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

President Sahle-Work Zewde said for her part said “Dr Hamlin was a hero who saved more than 60,000 Ethiopian women and girls from obstetric fistula.”

She added “I am confident that the many professionals trained under Dr. Hamlin throughout the years will continue the work she started at the Fistula Hospital she founded.”