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{
    "id": 1477082,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1477082/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 152,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Endebess, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) Robert Pukose",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c), Hon. Irene Mayaka requested a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the regulations and lack of facilities specialising in the treatment of endometriosis. The response is as follows: The first question was to state the number of facilities within the country that specialise in endometriosis treatment, their location and whether such facilities carry out public awareness programmes on the condition. The response is that endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It is associated with chronic pelvic pain, especially during periods; that is, menses. This pain could also occur during or after sex, with heavy menstrual bleeding and difficulties in conceiving. In Kenya, the prevalence of endometriosis is 4.6 per cent. Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are mainly undertaken by gynaecologists through laparoscopic visualisation and histological confirmation, which are considered the gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis. The treatment can either be drugs or, in severe, complicated cases, laparoscopic surgery. Currently, there are two level 6 health facilities - Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) that can treat endometriosis. In terms of awareness of endometriosis, this is a continuous process through periodic continuous medical education forums and health education session talks at health facilities. The Ministry plans to do media campaigns nationally and through local FM radios on endometriosis. So, as to give correct information about the disease, eliminate the stigma around similar conditions of painful menses and demystify the myths. Community health promoters have also been trained to refer women with similar symptoms to higher levels to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. The second question was to outline the measures that have been put in place by the Ministry of Health to facilitate public hospitals with specialised training on the treatment of endometriosis to provide better healthcare to women in the country. The response is that endometriosis is one of the disease conditions covered in the pre-service training curriculum for nurses, clinical officers and doctors. The Government has invested in the training of gynaecologists. We currently have about 700 gynaecologists in Kenya working in different parts of the country, both public and private. We have five trained laparoscopic gynaecology surgeons, mainly based at national referral hospitals. Equally, the Government has invested in the availability of laparoscopic equipment for use by the experts. The third question was, what are the specific actions that the Ministry of Health is taking to tackle the challenges posed by endometriosis and create public awareness of its treatment? On this, the Ministry plans to establish endometriosis specialised centres of excellence to offer care, train more laparoscopic gynaecology surgeons, ensure availability of endometriosis medicines through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), avail more laparoscopic equipment and continue sensitisation of the general public on endometriosis through community health promoters and media. This statement was signed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health. Thank you."
}