By Caroline Katana
A life-changing health programme implemented by Amref Health Africa is restoring dignity to hundreds of men suffering from hydrocele in Kwale County.
However, emerging donor funding cuts in Kenya’s health sector now threaten to reverse these gains.
Patients and health experts are now appealing to donors to sustain support, warning that the high number of untreated cases in Kwale could worsen if funding is reduced.
The programme, implemented by Amref Health Africa in partnership with the Kwale County Government, has for nearly a decade supported hydrocele treatment through mass drug administration, community sensitization, screening, and free surgeries.
At Kwale Hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr. Paul Gathuma says the burden remains significant.
Kwale Med supritendant Dr Paul Gathuma
“We have screened 848 men and performed about 100 surgeries, but we still have more than 700 patients waiting for operations. There are also many more who have not yet been screened,” said Dr. Gathuma.
He added that some areas continue to report high infection rates.
“In places like Tsunza and Lutsangani, you can find up to 20 affected men in a single village. We also recorded high numbers in Mwaluphamba and Vanga,” he said.
For many patients, the programme has been life-changing.
Ramadhan Gasambi, a resident of Tsimba, lived with the condition for over 30 years before receiving treatment.
“I stayed with this condition for many years because it had no pain at first. I thought it was normal,” said Gasambi.
He said fear and misconceptions delayed him from seeking medical help.
“I was afraid of surgery because I believed some illnesses are caused by witchcraft. I thought I might die if I went for an operation,” he explained.
Gasambi underwent surgery in March 2025 under the AMREF-supported programme and has since recovered.
Beneficiary Ramadhan Gasambi
Now, he is appealing for continued donor support to benefit men with hydrocele in the county.
“This support should not be stopped. Many men will suffer because they cannot afford treatment. The cost is too high for most families,” he said.
Another patient, Abdallah Juma Mwamtsami from Tiwi, who has lived with hydrocele for 13 years, also urged donors to sustain the programme.
His case had advanced significantly, with fluid accumulation reaching 7.5 litres.
“I delayed for treatment due to financial hardship . I suffered a lot carrying that burden,” he said.
Currently receiving treatment, Mwamtsami emphasized the importance of the programme to low-income patients.
“I thank those supporting this treatment and ask them not to stop. Many people still need this help,” he added.
Beneficiary Abdalla Juma
Health experts emphasize that hydrocele is caused by mosquito-borne infection and not witchcraft, as widely believed in some communities.
They warn that since Amref Health Africa implements the programme through donor funding, any reduction in support would directly affect treatment services.
“Most of these patients come from poor backgrounds and cannot afford treatment. Without donor support, many will not get help,” said Dr. Gathuma.
After nearly ten years of partnership between AMREF and the Kwale County Government, significant progress has been made.
However, with hundreds still waiting for surgery, patients and doctors say sustaining donor support is critical to ensure the gains are not lost.
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