Project Partners

Healing Hands of Joy (HHOJ)

Healing Hands of Joy (HHOJ) works to end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia in two ways: first to identify, refer and rehabilitate women living with obstetric fistula, and second to break down the social stigma behind fistula and show how communities can support sufferers. HHOJ trains ex-fistula patients as Safe Motherhood Ambassadors who return to their communities to identify new cases of fistula and educate expectant mothers on safe delivery. HHOJ also works on a wider community level, hosting community workshops, religious leader training, film screenings and male sensitivity training to raise awareness and change attitudes for this socially-isolating condition.

Hope of Light (HOL)

Hope of Light provide obstetric fistula treatment at 3 fistula health centres in Gondar, Jima and Assella. They were founded by Dr Ambaye, a fistula surgeon with over 27 years’ experience, who was trained by the awe-inspiring Dr Catherine Hamlin. As well as providing medical supplies for fistula care, Dr Ambaye trains doctors in fistula surgery, raises awareness with health professionals and her team provide post-operative counselling for patients. 

Simien Mountain Mobile Medical Services (SMMMS)

Simien Mountain Mobile Medical Service (SMMMS) works to provide essential medical and healthcare services to communities who have little to no access. Working in the remote, rural, and challenging landscape of the Simien Mountains they have a series of health centres and teams of outreach health workers, who together provide reproductive, maternal, natal and child healthcare along with emergency care and transport to health centres and hospitals. SMMMS have carried out essential emergency medical care throughout the recent Pandemic and on-going conflict. 

Cheshire Services

Cheshire Services is working towards a future where all children living with a disability in Ethiopia can access healthcare, education and live with dignity. They create community awareness to remove the stigma associated with disability and create inclusive and accessible communities. Their Menagesha Rehabilitation Centre in Oromia region is their flagship site, providing both resident children and outpatients with corrective surgery, physiotherapy and custom-fitted prosthetic limbs and mobility aids. For children living in more remote areas, Cheshire Services run a mobile outreach service, and through  their Sustainable Livelihoods Project, they support families with a parent or child living with a disability with agricultural and basic business training, so they are able to support themselves bringing about better social inclusion, especially for mothers of children with disabilities. 

Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA)

Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) was created alongside local Afar leaders who felt their needs were not being met by formal government services. APDA is dedicated to ending harmful practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and the lack of rights for women in marriage. They also run life-changing projects in water harvesting, mobile health and education, and have been providing life-saving emergency support, in response to the recent locust plagues and conflict in the region.