When Ali Jabiri, a resident of Lunga Lunga in Kwale County, first noticed swelling in his legs and genitals at the age of 35, he believed he had been cursed. For five years, he suffered in silence enduring pain, shame, and desperation. He sought help from traditional healers, tried herbal remedies, and even performed rituals, but nothing alleviated his condition. It wasn’t until 2020, during a community outreach visit in his village, that Ali finally learned the truth about his illness.
A community health promoter informed him that he was suffering from lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis. This neglected tropical disease is caused by thread-like parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. Once inside the human body, these larvae travel to the lymphatic system, where they mature into adult worms. These worms block the normal drainage of lymph fluid, resulting in painful and disfiguring swelling, especially in the legs, arms, and genital areas.
Ali had never heard of the disease before, but the health worker reassured him that treatment was possible. Encouraged, Ali sought medical help at Msambweni County Referral Hospital. There, he underwent hydrocelectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the fluid-filled swelling that had developed in his scrotum a common complication of lymphatic filariasis.
Today, Ali walks upright with renewed confidence and openly shares his experience to help others overcome stigma and misinformation. “I wasted five years of my life because of misinformation. I don’t want others to go through the same,” he says.
Ali’s story is just one of many. Across Kwale County, 365 patients have undergone successful surgery for elephantiasis at public hospitals. The county has about 800 patients who still require surgery, but limited medical infrastructure has slowed progress. Health officials plan to perform 80 percent of these surgeries by the end of the year.
Kwale County is making remarkable strides toward eliminating elephantiasis, boasting a 98 percent success rate in fighting the disease. This progress is largely due to sustained mass drug administration programs, increased community awareness, and improved healthcare services. Seven rounds of mass drug administration have been conducted, primarily targeting school children, who are often the most vulnerable.
Recent surveys among school-going children revealed that 90 percent tested negative for the disease. Elephantiasis now persists in only a tiny fraction of the population, with less than one percent prevalence in specific areas like Mrera village. To achieve complete elimination, health authorities plan to carry out targeted drug administration in these residual hotspots.
Beyond medication, health workers have been trained to provide home-based care for elephantiasis patients, ensuring ongoing support. The Ministry of Health, alongside organizations such as Amref, has been instrumental in these efforts. Amref has also supported surgical interventions for advanced cases, helping many regain their quality of life.
Despite these achievements, some challenges remain. A limited number of operating theatres means surgeons must compete for space with emergency cases, including cesarean sections. In areas like Lunga Lunga, damaged hospital wards have further complicated patient care after surgery.
Cultural beliefs initially hampered efforts to address elephantiasis, as many residents blamed the disease on witchcraft. However, widespread awareness campaigns have successfully dispelled these myths, leading to greater acceptance of treatment and prevention measures.
With the end of the battle against elephantiasis now in sight, health officials urge residents to remain vigilant and continue participating in prevention and treatment programs. The disease still lingers in some coastal and western regions, but the progress made in Kwale offers hope.
Globally, over 120 million people are infected with lymphatic filariasis, with nearly 40 million suffering from its severe form. In Kenya, thousands remain at risk, but the country is committed to eradicating the disease by 2027.
For people like Ali Jabiri, the impact of treatment has been life-changing. “I can now work, farm, and go to the market without hiding. I feel like a human being again,” he says, a testament to the transformative power of healthcare and community awareness in conquering this once-feared disease.
