Health advocates in Uganda are intensifying calls for increased government support in addressing Endometriosis, a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting women and girls of reproductive age.
Under the umbrella of the Endometriosis Foundation Uganda, campaigners are urging authorities to boost funding for research, expand access to treatment, and invest in training more specialists to manage the disease effectively.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, commonly leading to severe pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation. Despite its prevalence, the condition remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood in many parts of the country.
In Uganda, limited access to specialized care continues to pose a major challenge. Health advocates say the shortage of trained professionals has left many women without proper diagnosis, treatment, or guidance on managing the condition.
Although there is currently no definitive cure for endometriosis, medical experts emphasize that early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve patients’ quality of life by reducing pain and preventing complications.
Grace Nagawa, a survivor of the condition and Executive Director of the foundation, has been at the forefront of providing support to affected women. After her own diagnosis, she established the Endometriosis Wellness Centre in Garuga as a safe space where patients can access information, counseling, and peer support.
“When I discovered I had endometriosis, I decided to start the Endometriosis Wellness Centre where affected women can come together, receive guidance, and learn how to cope with the condition,” Nagawa said.
She noted that the initiative has so far supported more than 300 women, but stressed that broader institutional backing is urgently needed. She called on the Ministry of Health Uganda to scale up awareness campaigns and prioritize the training of specialists capable of diagnosing and treating the disease.
Women living with endometriosis describe the condition as life-altering. Some say the intense pain has disrupted their daily activities, affected their fertility, and exposed them to stigma within their communities.
“The pain is severe and has affected our ability to conceive, and some people even think we are bewitched,” one of the patients shared.
Medical professionals underscore the importance of early intervention. Dr. Ssematimba Steven of Chrystal Medical Center explained that timely medical attention can help detect the disease in its early stages and improve treatment outcomes.
“This condition can be detected early if people seek medical attention before it progresses beyond stage two of the four stages,” he said.
Health records indicate that approximately one in every ten women of reproductive age in Uganda is affected by endometriosis, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, improved healthcare infrastructure, and sustained government intervention to address the growing burden of the disease.
