Sabina Higgins opens Ethiopian art exhibition in Dublin

Sabina Higgins (third from left) with Bruk Hiwet (left) and Nati Yohannes (right) of the Makush art gallery Addis Ababa, Ethopiaid executive director Liam Barnard and Harriet and Martin Andrews, who run the Hamlin fistula hospital in Addis Ababa. Photograph: Alan Betson

A major exhibition of more than 150 works by Ethiopian artists was opened in Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre on Thursday evening by Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins. 

Hosted by Ethiopiaid Ireland, proceeds from the exhibition, which continues until Thursday, will go to the extraordinary Hamlin fistula hospital in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The hospital, which was visited by the President and his wife last November, treats women for a potentially fatal obstetric condition which affects women who are pregnant for the first time.

During a protracted labour, a woman can develop a deep tear (fistula), which leaves her doubly incontinent for life. The condition can be repaired by surgery that is not available in most underdeveloped countries.At Hamlin they are planning to eliminate the condition by 2020.