By Reporter
The Ministry of Health and county health departments have been advised to include female genital schistosomiasis disease in the reproductive health docket to ensure that patients suffering from the disease receive proper treatment.
This comes after a study conducted in various hospitals and clinics in Kilifi County by LVCT, a non-governmental organisation, found that 320 out of two thousand women tested were suffering from the disease, and received treatment for sexually transmitted diseases due to its symptoms, even though the disease is not sexually transmitted.
Speaking in Kilifi during the launch of the study findings, Dr. Robinson Karuga from the LVCT organisation said the research further revealed that 16 percent of the women tested were found to have female genital schistosomiasis caused by aquatic parasites produced by snails.
“In Kilifi County, we tested over two thousand women using pelvic examination, and 16 percent of those tested were found to have contracted bilharzia and female genital schistosomiasis, and for a long time, the FGS symptoms were misdiagnosed as Sexually Transmitted Diseases.” He said.
In addition, Stephen Mulupi, a senior researcher at the organisation, has pointed out that inappropriate treatment for female genital schistosomiasis may compromise the body’s immune system due to the body’s adaptation to antibiotics.
Mulupi has also added that the integration of health services is one of the best measures to address financial implications that are brought up by the rise in diseases, especially with the recent withdrawal of funding from the USA-based organisations.
“We advise that female genital schistosomiasis be embedded with treatment programs on reproductive health to avoid any extra costs and as the national government through the ministry of Health, make policies on the same let there be proper coordination with the 47 county governments to ensure proper implementation of the said policies on female genital schistosomiasis.” He said.
Before the study was conducted in Kilifi County, Mama Rehema Gona, a resident of Vipingo, began experiencing symptoms of itching in her private parts and passing blood in her stool two years ago, a condition that threatened to break up her marriage.
Mama Gona explains that she tried all kinds of medicines, including herbal remedies but the condition did not improve.
According to Rehema, after several misdiagnoses, she later received proper treatment through the LVCT organisation research program, and is currently a trainer of trainees to fellow women.
“Like two years ago, I was sick, my private parts were itching, and there were traces of blood in my stool, and I initially thought that my husband infected me, and he also thought I was the initiator, so there was no peace in my marriage. However, things changed after I received the proper treatment and completely healed, “she said.
On its part, Kilifi County government, through the director of health, Hassan Leli, has vowed to start sensitising residents about the disease as well as providing training to nurses and doctors who provide hospital services and diagnose the disease.
In addition, Kilifi County Assembly health committee chair Edward Ziro committed to legislating policies and, in collaboration with the health docket, coming up with a budget that will incorporate training and proper treatment of genital schistosomiasis.
“What remains is policy direction, which will help in empowering the health department through proper training of the nurses, doctors and other health officials to avoid misdiagnosis and also advocacy for proper treatment.” Said Hassan Leli.
