Catherine Hamlin, World-Renowned Gynecologist, Dies at 96

Catherine Hamlin world-renowned gynecologist and humanitarian, has passed away on Wednesday March 18, 2020 at the age of 96.

Catherine, Australian, and her husband, the late Reg Hamlin (MD), established treatment centres for women suffering from the debilitating effects of obstetric fistula, a crippling condition that results from complications in childbirth.

Located in Addis Ababa, the hospital and the Hamlin Fistula Centers were founded by Catherine Hamlin and her husband in 1974. In the time since then, Hamlin and her work have become well known throughout the world. The hospital provides service for women suffering from obstetric fistulas, often caused by extended labour without access to medical care.

Catherine’s work for obstetric fistula continued uninterrupted for over 61 years, with more than 60,000 patients treated. Today, Hamlin Fistula Hospital Addis Ababa is a healthcare network of over 550 Ethiopian staff servicing six hospitals, being capable of serving 4,000 patients every year.

Catherine has been nominated for the nobel peace prize twice and has received numerous international awards.