Birchiko Abrha, a 23-year old fistula patient in long-term treatment at the Hamlin Fistula Center in Mekelle, Tigray. Photo by UNFPA EthiopiaMekelle, Tigray – “When Birchiko came to the center, she only weighed 32kg. She was severely malnourished and her hips and knees were flexed and fixed,” explains Dr. Melaku Abreha, Medical Director at the Hamlin Fistula Center in Mekelle. Dr. Melaku says that progress made to eliminate fistula in the years since the Hamlin Fistula Center opened in 2006 has been all but eroded. In Tigray, Birchiko is one of 24 severe fistula cases that UNFPA is supporting with essential treatment and repair surgeries, with funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Ethiopian News May 27, 2022 12:05 UTC