Endometriosis, fibroids, and uterine prolapse: How free surgeries gave women their lives back
Doctors and specialists from the Gynae-Oncology Mashinani Free Medical Camp performed an operation at Mother Amadea Mission Hospital in Mombasa on July 31, 2026.
What you need to know:
- More than 20 women who received free, life-changing surgeries during the two-day medical camp at Mother Amadea Mission Hospital.
Mary Musyoka, a resident of Chaani in Changamwe, Mombasa County, has for the past four years been suffering from severe pelvic pain and heavy bleeding during her periods.
She started experiencing the issue in early 2022, initially believing it was normal. The pain, however, worsened in 2025, forcing her to seek treatment at nearby health facilities.
Anna Sahli, 40, received treatment for uterine prolapse during the Gynae-Oncology Mashinani camp at Mombasa's Mother Amadea Mission Hospital on August 1, 2026.
Despite receiving advice from medics to see a gynaecologist, the 32-year-old mother of three could not afford the specialist's high fees as she is a housewife with no meaningful income. She opted to use painkillers to relieve the pain.
"I spent the whole of 2025 in and out of hospitals. I visited Changamwe, Port Reitz, Magongo, and other facilities. I could feel a sharp, stabbing pain in my lower abdomen every month. I used lots of painkillers, but they reached a point where they didn't work anymore. I felt tired all the time," said Mary.
As Mary desperately explored treatment options, including herbal remedies, and was about to give up, help arrived this month when she learned about a fully subsidised surgical outreach programme: Gynae Oncology Mashinani. The initiative brings together gynae oncologists, urogynaecologists, laparoscopic and general surgeons, urologists, anaesthetists, nurses, and theatre technicians to perform complex surgeries in rural Kenya. This time, they organised a two-day free medical camp at Mother Amadea Mission Hospital in Mikindani, Mombasa, between August 1 and 2.
The Gynae-Oncology Mashinani initiative was founded in 2025.
Mary presented herself of the camp. It provided emergency medical treatment, proper diagnosis, and safe relief from her worsening condition.
"The camp had been widely announced all over Mombasa and the Coast region. I was among the first clients to arrive. I was offered specialist consultations and check-ups, after which various scans were performed. They found that I was suffering from endometriosis," says Mary.
Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the womb, the endometrium, rows outside the womb, on sites such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and inside the tummy, and even in distant sites such as the lungs and brain. Statistics show that one in six to one in ten women may have some form of endometriosis.
Back to Mary: after her arrival at the camp, she narrated her history of pain. Following examinations and test results, specialist medics counselled her. She was then booked for surgery, which was conducted the following day.
She became one of the more than 20 women who received free, life-changing surgeries during the two-day medical camp at Mother Amadea Mission Hospital.
Today, Mary is happy, having already been discharged and returned home with less pain and a clear plan for her health.
"I really thank the doctors and specialists who handled my case. I am now free from the heavy pain that controlled my life for years. The surgery removed the endometriosis, and my body is finally healing. The scars are fading, my strength is returning, and I feel a deep sense of peace. I am ready to step into a bright new chapter filled with hope and joy," said Mary.
Apart from Mary, other women from various parts of the Coast region also received life-saving surgeries and specialised treatments during the two-day camp.
Sauda Awuor Obare, 43, also recounts how she endured six years of suffering before help arrived. The mother of five and resident of Mikindani within Mombasa County had, for the past six years, endured severe discomfort and general pelvic pain accompanied by frequent heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. She learned she had fibroids six years ago.
"I used to witness repeated occurrences of heavy bleeding and painful cramps that disrupted my life. The growing fibroids pressed on my bladder and caused intense cramping, making it impossible for me to work. I am a hairdresser here in Mikindani, but I had to quit the job. Sometimes I was lethargic from losing so much blood," says Awuor.
Private surgeries for fibroids in Kenya's private hospitals generally cost between Sh250,000 and Sh500,000, depending on the specific hospital, the type of procedure (open surgery or laparoscopic 'keyhole' surgery), and the size or number of fibroids. Unable to afford the high cost of treatment, Awuor had to suffer in silence for all those years.
Today, however, Awuor is joyful. She is among the women who underwent free surgeries under the Gynae Oncology Mashinani initiative at Mother Amadea Mission Hospital in Mombasa.
"When I learned about the free medical camp, I didn't hesitate to visit. After the gynaecological consultations, I was told I had multiple fibroids growing into the cavity of my uterus. The specialists booked me for surgery. I underwent pelvic clearance, or pelvic exenteration, a radical, extensive procedure to remove reproductive and surrounding organs from the pelvic area. I am happy the surgery was successful," says Awuor.
As for Anna Shali, 40, she has been suffering from uterine prolapse for 18 years. The mother of one started experiencing the problem in 2008 after delivering her only child. Uterine prolapse is a condition where the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor become weak and can no longer hold the uterus in place, causing it to sag or drop down into or outside the vagina.
"I was too shy to explain to anyone that my uterus was slipping down into or out of my vagina. After giving birth to my child in 2008, that's when I started experiencing the condition. I suffered in silence," says Anna.
She says the 18 years have been like hell, as the condition brought physical pain, heavy pressure, and trouble with bladder and bowel control. She reiterated that the condition deeply affected her daily comfort and overall quality of life.
"I would endure nagging pain in my lower back, which usually worsened after long hours of standing or walking. I experienced difficulties and chafing discomfort when walking or lifting objects. Emotionally, I strained too much. Dealing with chronic, hidden discomfort like mine really drains mental energy," says Anna.
But today, Anna is a happy woman, having undergone surgical treatment for the condition two weeks ago, all thanks to the Gynae Oncology Mashinani programme.
"After hearing about the camp, I gained courage, went, and disclosed the matter. After assessment, consultations, and a series of tests, they proposed I undergo a surgical removal of my uterus to permanently fix the problem. I accepted.
The surgery was successful, and I am looking forward to a complete recovery so that I can start a normal life," says Anna.
During an interview with Healthy Nation, Mother Amadea Mission Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Don Ocholi, noted that the Gynae Oncology Mashinani camp held at the facility was a success, as it saw tens of women receiving counselling, medical advice, and life-changing laparoscopic surgeries.
Dr Ocholi urged the public to stop believing false myths about women's infertility and other reproductive health problems. He noted that such harmful myths often delay proper medical care and cause extra stress for patients.
"The common problems that came out among patients during the two-day camp included primary infertility, endometriosis, and fibroids, among others. We encourage people to turn out in large numbers whenever they hear of medical camps.
They should stop linking gynaecological problems with witchcraft. It is vital for them to rely on proven medical facts instead of old rumours," said D Ocholi.
Dr Victor Tetty, a gynae-oncologist and laparoscopic surgeon who founded the Gynae Oncology Mashinani initiative in 2025, also led the team of medics in undertaking the Mombasa free medical camp.
Speaking to Healthy Nation, Dr Tetty affirmed that cases handled during the two-day camp included cervical cancer, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, pelvic floor dysfunction, and fibroids, among others.
He said treating such ailments can cost up to Sh500,000 per patient, but those who attended the Gynae Oncology Mashinani medical camp at Mother Amadea Mission Hospital were treated for free, regardless of whether they are registered with SHA or not. Women helped came from all over the six Coast counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, and Taita Taveta.
Dr Tetty advised patients to seek prevention as the first step in dealing with diseases like cancer.
"Screening and early diagnosis of any gynaecological condition saves a lot in terms of human quality of life and finances. All treatments for all gynaecological conditions are available in Kenya. We came up with the free medical camp so
that no one is stopped from enjoying such services," said Dr Tetty.
Since its inception last year, Gynae Oncology Mashinani has been helping grassroots patients access treatment for complex health challenges. So far, more than 300 patients have already undergone surgeries that would otherwise cost between Sh500,000 and Sh1.5 million.
Some of the surgeries performed include cancers of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vagina, and vulva, as well as endometriosis, tubal blockage, uterine removal, fistulas, ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, and pelvic floor prolapse.
Beyond Mikindani (Mombasa), similar free camps have so far been held in Langoni (Lamu), Voi (Taita Taveta), Kwale, and Malindi (Kilifi).
