NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 5- Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called for urgent government intervention to tackle the growing burden of endometriosis among Kenyan women and girls, warning that delayed diagnosis, limited specialised care and high treatment costs are forcing many to suffer for years without help.

📻 Breaking It Down

Ms Maina told the National Assembly that endometriosis should no longer be viewed as a private medical problem, saying the chronic condition has far-reaching public health, social and economic consequences.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pelvic and menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue and, in some cases, infertility.

Ms Maina said many women are forced to visit several health facilities before receiving a correct diagnosis, with their symptoms often dismissed as normal menstrual discomfort.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Many Kenyan women consequently suffer silently for years, moving from one health facility to another before receiving an accurate diagnosis,” she said.

The MP said the condition can disrupt schooling, employment and family life, resulting in lost income and placing a significant financial burden on affected women and their families.

She said the problem is particularly acute for women living outside major urban centres, where access to specialists, diagnostic equipment and appropriate treatment remains limited.

Ms Maina called for endometriosis services to be incorporated into the Universal Health Coverage agenda and covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), arguing that cost should not prevent women from accessing diagnosis and treatment.

She also urged the Government to decentralise diagnostic and specialised treatment services to county and regional referral hospitals to reduce the burden of travelling to major cities for care.

The legislator further called for increased training of healthcare workers to improve early detection, as well as comprehensive menstrual health education for girls and women.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya