Many women suffer from Endometriosis in silence due to various reasons. One of these reasons in our region is ignorance; many women assume that some of the symptoms associated with endometriosis are normal part of menstrual cycle.
Despite Endometriosis being a common condition, it remains under-diagnosed due to lack of awareness among the patients and inadequate diagnostic techniques. In order to create more awareness, Bayer sponsored Bado Tutaangaza Endometriosis Awareness Month Event organized by Angaza initiative and Yellow Endo flower that saw over 50 participants between the ages of 18-30 attend. The event that was held in Nyali, Mombasa County on March 23, 2019 aimed at educating women in the reproductive age about Endometriosis.
The session started with introduction followed by an interactive and informative panel discussion about Endometriosis and more emphasize was put on how it affects the victim’s life physically, emotionally, sexually, professionally and spiritually.
The panel included; Dr Kikwai Kibet - Gynaecologist,Faith Muiruri – Counsellor,Doris Murimi –Founder, Endo Sisters East Africa representing women diagnosed in their 40s,Cess Mbati Women’s - Icon Network representing women diagnosed in their 30s and Esther Mbugua-Kimemia – Founder, Yellow Endo Flower representing women diagnosed in their teens/early 20s. The participants also got a chance to share their experiences, ask questions and emphasized on the need of more informative meetings.
Dr. Kibet, a renowned Mombasa gynaecologist shared in relation to milestone of Endometriosis treatment, symptoms of Endometriosis and proper management to maximize benefits while reducing burden.
“Endometriosis can be diagnosed at any age from the adolescent years until the menopause. An ideal treatment goal aims to monitor, evaluate and treat,” he pointed out.
Esther Mbugua Kimemia, who is an author, menstrual health advocate, an endo warrior and founder of Yellow Endo Flower thought the painful periods she experienced while young were part of the normal monthly biological changes women go through. Today, she is happy that endometriosis conversation is moving forward in the right direction and more women and doctors are aware about this condition.
“The event was a success and I am very grateful to Bayer for supporting women in the community through such kind programmes that are helping them to be informed about Endometriosis. I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 19 years during my second surgery and I was put on a hormonal treatment that stops periods and reduces estrogen levels. The side effects were dreadful. I went into menopause at 19 at it was difficult. I got depressed because no one really understood what was happening. Looking back at everything that I have lost because of Endometriosis, I feel like have a second chance to live, “explained a smiling Esther.
She thus founded Yellow Endo Flower, a non-governmental organization meant to equip, empower and encourage girls and women as they blossom and bloom. “Our aim is to demystify periods and discourage period shaming and to create awareness about endometriosis. We also support and encourage endo-warriors,” she adds.
Bayer East Africa Ltd has planned an Endometriosis Awareness Campaign that will run throughout the year, in order to address the knowledge gap that exists among the patients and the Healthcare fraternity that will be done in collaboration with both patients and Health care providers.
Themed ‘No woman should suffer in Silence’, it was internally launched on February 14, 2019.All colleagues were invited for a town hall meeting followed by some sensitization activities to show support and mark endometriosis awareness month. Men painted their faces and wrists yellow while women painted their nails yellow. In addition, more activities are aligned up to help demystify the condition to the public.
“The meeting was very informative and I appreciate Bayer for taking the initiative to create awareness about Endometriosis among the youth. It was not just helpful to us as ladies, but also to those who are associated with us, “disclosed one of the participants.
Endometriosis leads to high rate of morbidity, absenteeism and socio -economic cost, it also comprises on quality of life, and education opportunities daily function self-esteem and fertility.
“We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of women and their families everywhere through research and development of new treatment options for diseases primarily afflicting this population. We feel that planning for such informative Endometriosis campaign marks a considerable step forward in managing this chronic, debilitating disease, “concludes Daniel Tertel, Cluster Commercial lead PH/CH in Middle Africa.