Kirinyaga Woman Rep Urges Endometriosis Care Inclusion in Universal Health Coverage
Legislator Maina Njeri advocates for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment to be integrated into Kenya's UHC framework, citing delayed diagnoses and financial hardship for affected women.
Legislator Maina Njeri advocates for endometriosis diagnosis and treatment to be integrated into Kenya's UHC framework, citing delayed diagnoses and financial hardship for affected women.
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Kirinyaga Woman Representative Maina Njeri has called for endometriosis to be recognized as a public health and economic issue, urging the government to incorporate its diagnosis and treatment into Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework. Njeri highlighted that many women and girls suffer from prolonged pain, delayed diagnoses, and financial difficulties due to limited awareness and insufficient access to specialized care for the chronic condition.
Njeri explained that endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, is often misdiagnosed as ordinary menstrual pain. This can lead to severe pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, fatigue, and infertility, significantly impacting women's dignity, equality, and well-being.
The legislator noted that affected women can spend years seeking an accurate diagnosis, with the resulting pain affecting their education, employment, and household finances. She stressed the need to integrate endometriosis care into the UHC agenda, ensure coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA), and decentralize specialized services to county and regional referral facilities.
Furthermore, Njeri called for enhanced training for healthcare workers and the development of clear national guidelines for diagnosis, referral, treatment, and long-term management. She also emphasized the need for research to determine the prevalence of endometriosis and its socioeconomic impact.
Njeri also advocated for a shift in menstrual health messaging, encouraging public education to help women and girls identify symptoms requiring medical attention, beyond just access to sanitary products. She paid tribute to the late endometriosis campaigner Mary Njambi Koikai for her role in raising awareness.
FAQ
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, potentially causing severe pelvic pain, excessive bleeding, fatigue, and infertility.
What is Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure all people and communities can access the health services they need without suffering financial hardship.