For decades, many Kenyans living with lymphoedema have endured pain, swelling, and stigma with limited treatment options. Now, a major medical milestone at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has given hope to patients battling this debilitating condition.
On August 25, 2025, KNH’s Prime Care Centre, in collaboration with Ohana One International Surgical Aid, the University of Nairobi, and the Kenya Society of Plastic Surgeons, successfully performed life-changing surgeries on two women who had struggled with lymphoedema for years.
Fifty-year-old Alice Mideva Aduda, who had searched for relief for more than three decades, underwent lower right limb lymphoedema surgery led by Professor Ferdinand Nang’ole and Dr. Benjamin Wabwire. In the same groundbreaking effort, 44-year-old Maureen Achieng Odongo received surgery for upper left limb lymphoedema. Both women have since recovered well and are optimistic about resuming normal lives free from the heavy burden of their condition.
Understanding Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a chronic medical condition caused by an abnormal build-up of lymphatic fluid in the body’s tissues. This happens when the lymphatic system, which normally drains excess fluid and filters waste, is damaged or blocked. The result is persistent swelling, most commonly in the arms or legs.
The condition can be inherited, but in many cases it develops after surgery, trauma, infection, or treatment for cancers such as breast or cervical cancer, where lymph nodes may be removed or damaged. Globally, millions live with lymphoedema, but in Africa the condition is often underdiagnosed or neglected due to limited awareness and access to specialised care.
Physical and Emotional Burden
Lymphoedema is more than just swelling. It restricts mobility, causes heaviness, and increases the risk of repeated infections. Patients often experience pain that interferes with daily tasks such as walking, dressing, or working. The physical changes can also trigger emotional distress. Many patients report feelings of isolation and low self-esteem, particularly when the swelling is visible and misunderstood by the community.
For women like Alice and Maureen, years of discomfort were compounded by the frustration of having no effective treatment available. Standard therapies such as compression garments, physiotherapy, and massage can offer relief, but in severe cases surgery is often the only option to restore function and improve quality of life.
KNH’s Breakthrough
The surgeries at KNH represent a significant leap forward for Kenyan healthcare. By assembling a team of local and international experts, the hospital demonstrated the value of collaboration in tackling complex conditions. The successful operations also highlight the growing capacity of Kenyan specialists in advanced reconstructive and plastic surgery.
For patients, this milestone signals new hope. Alice’s and Maureen’s recoveries are proof that with access to specialised surgical care, individuals who have suffered for decades can regain mobility, independence, and dignity.
A Path Forward
KNH’s achievement is not only a triumph for the two women but also a blueprint for the future of treatment in the region. It shows that with proper investment, training, and partnerships, Kenya can expand access to advanced surgical procedures that were once thought to be out of reach.
Raising awareness about lymphoedema is also essential. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent complications and reduce suffering. As more people learn about the condition, stigma may fade, allowing patients to seek help without shame or fear.
The journey of Alice and Maureen is a reminder that medical breakthroughs are not just about science and skill but also about restoring hope and rewriting lives.
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