Days before her untimely demise, Kenyan media luminary Njambi Koikai made a poignant appeal directly to President William Ruto, sparking a wave of sympathy and reflection across the nation.
Koikai, an influential endometriosis ambassador, took to her Instagram platform, urging the President to prioritize healthcare investments during his official visit to the United States.
“Allow me to address this to President William Ruto first as he makes his state visit to the US. Mr. President, one of the thematic areas in your visit is investment in health.”
Koikai emphasized Atlanta, Georgia, as a crucial hub for women grappling with endometriosis, a relentless condition she bravely fought against for numerous years.
“In Atlanta, Georgia, every young girl and woman who has fought against the torment of Endometriosis finds solace,” she remarked. “There, at the @centerforendocare, lies a sanctuary dedicated to restoring the lives of those crippled by this disease.”
Koikai elucidated the incapacitating effects of endometriosis, delineating how this condition ensnares sufferers with its relentless growth of tissue akin to the uterine lining on various organs.
“Put plainly, during menstruation, the uterus sheds its lining. However, in the case of Endometriosis, this lining anomalously proliferates on other bodily organs.”
“For me, that lining manifested on my lungs, resulting in monthly lung collapses and enduring numerous surgeries. It wasn’t until 17 years later that I finally received a diagnosis.”
She underscored the dire repercussions of delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment options within the Kenyan healthcare system.
“The repercussions of delayed diagnosis and insufficient treatment in our nation are profound. Despite fundraising for specialized care, the disease had already ravaged my teeth, heart, appendix, and spine, causing my organs to shift leftward. Tragically, the combined impact of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis can lead to infertility,” Koikai explained.
Koikai highlighted the global prevalence of endometriosis, which impacts 1 in 10 women worldwide, and addressed the cultural stigmas that worsen the issue.
“The numbers are staggering; societal norms and taboos lead young girls and women to believe that menstrual pain is acceptable.”
In her plea, she urged President Ruto to visit key American institutions leading in endometriosis care.
“As you begin your State visit to the US, I kindly suggest including visits to The Center for Endometriosis Care, Northside Hospital Women’s unit, led by Dr. Ken Sinervo and Dr. John Gouldman, renowned for their multi-disciplinary approach in treating women globally.”
ALSO READ;
