We need to speak up: Janet Mbugua pushes for action on endometriosis
By Valerian Khakayi, August 13, 2026Media personality Janet Mbugua has called for greater awareness, research and action on endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions, urging society to take women’s pain more seriously.
Janet, in a video shared on Thursday, August 13, 2026, spoke out on the need to amplify conversations around endometriosis following the recent health struggles of media personality Natalie Githinji, who was rushed to hospital and required intensive care after experiencing a severe endometriosis flare-up.
She noted that many women continue to receive late diagnoses or have limited information about what is happening in their bodies, leaving them to endure pain without adequate treatment.
“We need to speak up on endometriosis and women’s health,” she said.
“Natalie Githinji was rushed to hospital and needed intense care because of an endometriosis flare-up. So many women are getting a late diagnosis or scanty information on what is happening with endometriosis.”
She observed that research into endometriosis remains limited, leaving many women with few answers as they navigate persistent pain and other symptoms.
Janet said women experiencing severe menstrual pain are often told to take medication and return for another review, without sufficient investigation into the underlying cause.
“Endometriosis itself is research that is caught up right now, and in the meantime a lot of people are told if you have that pain, just carry on tumia hizi dawa and comeback for another view,” she added.
Investment in endometriosis care
According to Janet, more people are now speaking openly about endometriosis, with Githinji using her personal experience to help bring attention to the condition.
“A lot of people are speaking up more; Natalie is using her own experience as a living story and experience. Treatments for endometriosis and other menstrual disorders are treated like a luxury and priced so the advocacy and ambivalence at the diagnosis, treatment and research,” she stated.
Janet also criticised the way treatment for endometriosis and other menstrual disorders can be treated as a luxury, with the cost of care placing an additional burden on women seeking help.
She called for greater advocacy and investment across the endometriosis care chain, including diagnosis, treatment and research.
According to her, an estimated 190 million women and girls globally live with endometriosis, yet research and data on the condition remain limited, particularly in Africa.
Janet said the lack of adequate information and investment should prompt a stronger response from governments, healthcare providers and other stakeholders.
“190 million women and girls live with this condition worldwide, yet research and data on it remain thin, especially here in Africa. Maybe it’s time we stopped treating women’s pain as background noise and started funding the answers!” Janet said.