Hamlin Fistula® Welfare and Research Ltd
Australia will fund the building of the new Hamlin Fistula® Centre at Mekelle

Mekelle
Mekelle is the capital of the National Regional State of Tigray. It is 750Km north of Addis Ababa and is accessible by plane or bus.

The city was founded in the 13th century and reached prominence in the 19th century when Emperor Yohannes was crowned King.

In 1986, Ethiopia was racked with famine and it was at Mekelle that some tens of thousands died as a result of the drought and famine. However, the city now gives the impression of being a more modern, progressive city. New State Government buildings and a civic centre have been erected recently.

The existing Mekelle hospital
Most of the buildings at this hospital are very old and in need of extensive renovation and upgrading. The Ethiopian Government does not have money to improve the old facilities.

In the region of Tigray there are only three Obstetric/Gynaecologists. Two have had training at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and are doing occasional fistula surgery when it is possible at the Mekelle Hospital. They service an area, which has a population of approximately 5 million people.

The Ministry of Health in Tigray has given the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital about 1 acre of land for the Centre.

Extensive preparation work is needed on the land before building construction can commence. The water tanks have to be relocated and rebuilt, land has to be cleared and levels established. The main road in is on the left and the existing regional hospital on the right.

Estimated cost
Our Ethiopian Architect is preparing the detailed plans and our Builder has given a satisfactory quote to build it.

It is estimated that the total cost of building the Hamlin Fistula® Centre at Mekelle, including landscaping and equipment and sundry fees, will be approximatelyAUD$1.2 million.

There are several groups that have indicated their willingness to assist including the Australian Government through AusAID.

We will need further donations of about AUD$600,000 - AUD$700,000 to complete the project.

In addition, a further AUD$100,000 a year will be needed to cover the running costs.