Training: Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
One in four women suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Vaginal delivery is one of the main risk factors. These conditions have a devastating impact on women’s quality of life. Access to a well-trained pelvic floor care team is critical in providing timely and quality care for women affected by these conditions.
CGHSR is collaborating with Mekelle University and Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, along with other supporters such as Worldwide Fistula Fund and the Maternal Health Fund, in launching and sustaining the first urogynecology fellowship training program in Ethiopia.
OBGYN Fellowship Program
The three-year fellowship program focuses on building capacity by providing clinical and research training for OBGYNs and obstetric fistula surgeons to acquire a more comprehensive skillset in advanced pelvic floor surgery and medical care for women with pelvic floor conditions. Our goal is to help ensure that all women receive safe, respectful, timely and effective care no matter where they live.
To date, the program has graduated seven urogynecology fellows who have collectively provided care for more than 5,000 women in Ethiopia since the fellowship started in 2015. Our graduates are now leading the program.
“Despite all the challenges and everything, for me what matters is the knowledge I got from the training. Because I always feel that, for a doctor, what is the dream is knowing the best thing to give to the patient.”
Dr. Zehara Sualih, fellowship graduate
Providing Critical Training for Local OBGYNs
In 2024, two OBGYNs graduated from the fellowship. Hear what Dr. Mohammedtahir Yahya and Dr. Zehara Sualih took away from the program and what it means for their futures as physicians.