Francis Wambugu Irungu Delayed diagnosis and frequent misdiagnosis have been cited as major contributors to the rising number of endometriosis cases among women in the country, with health experts also pointing to a shortage of specialized healthcare providers and low awareness, particularly in rural areas.
Medical professionals warn that endometriosis is routinely misdiagnosed, with studies indicating that nearly half of all suspected cases are incorrectly identified before a confirmed diagnosis is made, a determination often only possible through surgery.
Speaking during the Healing Mama Africa Boot Camp conference on endometriosis held at Mt Kenya ACK Hospital in Kirinyaga, endometriosis specialist Dr. Joe Njagi said many women continue to suffer needlessly due to delayed and incorrect diagnoses. He noted that misconceptions and systemic bias within healthcare settings frequently lead to women’s pain being dismissed as ordinary menstrual discomfort, causing further delays in both care-seeking and treatment.
Dr. Njagi revealed that over 100 free ultrasound scans and more than 20 endometriosis surgeries would be conducted during the week-long conference. The complex procedures are expected not only to benefit patients directly but also to heighten public awareness of the condition.
“We need to create more awareness, train more specialists, and be intentional about improving care for endometriosis and oncology. We have patients coming from across Kenya and even abroad who will benefit from this initiative,” he said.
He added that globally, one in ten women is affected by endometriosis, though data for Africa remains limited. Based on figures from Western countries, diagnosis can take between eight and ten years, a gap he described as unacceptable. Access to both diagnosis and treatment remains a critical challenge, he said, particularly because surgical intervention requires a multidisciplinary team given that the condition can involve multiple organs, including the bowel and bladder.
“There are still very limited facilities offering comprehensive care for endometriosis. That is why initiatives like Healing Mama Africa are important, they bring international experts to rural areas where the need is greatest,” Dr. Njagi added.
Fellow specialist Yamal Patel, who described the inaugural boot camp as bringing together international experts and delegates from across Africa, said the initiative aimed to restore quality of life for affected women. “Pain is not normal, and we are here to ensure it is no longer ignored. Endometriosis significantly affects quality of life, fertility, and mental and psychosocial well-being,” he said.
Endometriosis survivor Jackline Njeri offered a sobering personal account, recalling how her symptoms, which began in 2017, were repeatedly misdiagnosed, including a period during which she was treated for tuberculosis. She eventually underwent surgery last year and is now on the path to recovery.
“I encourage women to go for check-ups. If diagnosis is delayed, endometriosis can spread and affect multiple parts of the body because it is a full-body disease,” she urged.
