MP Njeri Maina calls for endometriosis treatment to be covered under SHA

Njeri said endometriosis remains poorly understood and is often misdiagnosed or dismissed as ordinary menstrual pain, leaving many women and girls to endure severe pain and other complications for years before receiving appropriate medical attention.

Making a General Statement in the National Assembly, Njeri said the condition can cause severe pelvic and menstrual pain, excessive bleeding, fatigue and, in some cases, infertility.

She noted that the condition also has wider social and economic consequences, with affected women and girls missing school and employment opportunities, losing income and incurring significant costs while seeking diagnosis and treatment.

“Endometriosis is therefore not merely a private medical concern, it is a public-health, social and economic issue that affects the dignity, equality and well-being of women and girls,” Njeri said.

The MP raised concern over limited access to specialised endometriosis services, particularly for women living outside major urban centres.

She called for the decentralisation of diagnostic and specialised treatment services to county and regional referral hospitals to enable patients to receive care closer to their homes.

Njeri also urged the government to strengthen training for healthcare workers and develop clear national guidelines covering the diagnosis, referral, treatment and long-term management of endometriosis.

She further called for research into the prevalence of the condition in Kenya and its socioeconomic impact on affected women and their families.

According to Njeri, Kenya’s menstrual-health agenda should extend beyond access to sanitary products to include education that helps girls and women recognise symptoms that require medical attention.

She said severe or incapacitating menstrual pain should not be considered normal and urged women experiencing such symptoms to seek medical attention.

Njeri also paid tribute to the late media personality and endometriosis advocate Mary Njambi Koikai, popularly known as Jahmby Koikai, for raising awareness about the condition through her public battle with the disease.

She said Koikai’s advocacy helped bring endometriosis into the national conversation and encouraged other women to speak about their experiences.

“The greatest homage we can pay to her and to every woman living with endometriosis is to translate endometriosis awareness into meaningful policy and accessible healthcare,” Njeri said.

She urged the government to strengthen public awareness campaigns, promote early diagnosis and ensure that endometriosis treatment is accessible and affordable to women and girls across the country.