Free gynaecology camp restores health, dignity to women in Lamu
The initiative, conducted at King Fahd and Mpeketoni Sub-County hospitals, provided advanced laparoscopic procedures that addressed a wide range of reproductive health complications.
For years, Mwanaisha Abdalla, 38, from Mpeketoni, endured constant abdominal pain and heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids.
She often missed work and family events, quietly suffering in shame. “I thought I was cursed. I never imagined surgery would ever be an option for someone like me,” she says.
Mwanaisha is one of the more than 25 women in Lamu County who underwent free surgeries during a week-long laparoscopic gynaecology camp organised by the Lamu County Department of Medical Services in collaboration with Doctors Worldwide-Türkiye and TIKA.
The initiative, conducted at King Fahd and Mpeketoni Sub-County hospitals, provided advanced laparoscopic procedures that addressed a wide range of reproductive health complications.
Of these, 12 procedures were carried out in Mpeketoni, while 13 were performed in Lamu's King Fahd facility.
The interventions targeted conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic masses, organ prolapse, and suspected gynaecological cancers.
Among the surgeries conducted were seven diagnostic laparoscopies, four total abdominal hysterectomies, one vaginal hysterectomy, three myomectomies, and ten removals of tumours, masses, and potentially cancerous growths.
The majority of the women who benefited had lived for years with undiagnosed or untreated conditions due to limited access to affordable and specialised care in the region. For them, the surgeries not only restored physical health but renewed their sense of hope and dignity.
A woman undergoing surgery during the laparoscopic gynaecology camp organised by the Lamu County Department of Medical Services in collaboration with Doctors Worldwide- Türkiye and TIKA. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Among them was Habiba Ali, 47, who said her life was on pause after being diagnosed with a pelvic mass. “Walking was painful. I couldn’t sleep. I kept visiting herbalists, hoping for relief. When I heard about the camp, I came with nothing but hope, and I left with a new life.”
While some were dealing with years of physical pain, others feared losing their chance at motherhood. Amina Salim, 29, had been battling severe ovarian cysts and was told her fertility could be affected. “Doctors told me the chances were slim unless I had surgery. But I couldn’t afford it. This free camp was a miracle. I am now healing and hopeful,” she recalled.
Beyond treatment, the camp also included training sessions on ICU management for local healthcare workers to ensure the sustainability of expertise.
Zainab Omar, a 35-year-old mother of three, had almost given up on finding relief. She often fainted due to prolonged fibroid bleeding. “My body was weak. I lived in fear. Now, just days after the operation, I can already feel the difference.”
The emotional impact was just as profound.
Mariamu Jillo, who underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, described how the doctors handled her case with care and compassion. “They treated me like a human being. They explained everything. I felt safe.”
Some of the women were treated for potentially life-threatening conditions. Fatma Bwana, 44, faced a suspected gynaecological cancer diagnosis. “It’s scary, yes, but I’m glad the surgery was done. I have a fighting chance now.”
County health officials praised the initiative’s success, noting that such partnerships have long-term benefits.
Top Stories Today
