Project

Healing Hands of Joy

Healing Hands of Joy is a non-profit organization that exists to bring hope, happiness and a second chance to women affected by obstetric fistula in rural communities of Ethiopia. The foundation works in conjunction with the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital at its regional center. Addis Ababa hospital was formed in 1974 and has since treated more than 43,000 women in fistula obstetrics. They have 5 regional centers that treat more than 3,000 cases per year.

Healing Hands of Joy (“HHOJ”) works alongside the hospital and their regional centers to train survivors as Safe Motherhood Ambassadors, empowering these women to bring knowledge back to their communities regarding this preventable and curable medical condition. HHOJ also provides survivors with education and economic empowerment by way of training and micro lending so these women can find sustainable employment after their surgery and recover.

Their mission is to empower, prevent and educate women and their communities about obstetric fistula. HHOJ has responded diligently to the rising number of women affected by obstetric fistula and continues to be a leader in this field.

Empowers Africa grants will assist HHOJ in opening two additional rehabilitation centers in Ethiopia. One center will be in Bahir Dar and the other will be in Yirgalem.