Neglected No More

Muhambi Ndirwa Returns to Work

Lymphatic filariasis

Muhambi Ndirwa could not work. At 50 years old, his income and therefore his ability to survive depended on his ability to work. Muhambi was suffering from severe swelling due to Lymphatic filariasis.

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as Elephantitis, is caused by thread-like worms carried by mosquitoes that infiltrate the lymphatic system. The disease gradually leads to swelling, disfigurement, and disability, causing great pain and damage to the kidneys, arms, legs, and genitals. Swelling in the genitals also often leads to being ostracized by society and marital issues.

The risk of infection can be eliminated by administering a once yearly, single-dose, two-drug treatment or diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) fortified salt to all individuals in at-risk populations. Treatment for those already infected includes surgery for hydrocele (swelling caused by fluid accumulation). In addition, hygiene and self-care education are crucial to prevent bacterial infections and attacks of acute inflammatory adenolymphangitis (recurring inflammation of the lymph nodes accompanied by high fever).

In December 2008, MAP International launched a pilot program in the Kaloleni Providence of Kenya to screen potential sufferers of Lymphatic Filariasis and to provide operations to those found to have hydroceles (swelling in the scrotum). 51 patients were operated on over a four-day period. Muhambi was one of those patients.

Following surgery, Muhambi told a MAP staff member, “I used to be very active but with the progression of the disease I could not move as swiftly as I used to. Finally my productivity reduced, and I could not work as hard as before and therefore my income dropped. The condition has contributed to my deplorable state of poverty. I now have high hopes to pick up my life again and move on. Thanks to MAP for a big relief to my burden.”