KNH holds first Lymphoedema Awareness Walk in Kenya

The event marked the first-ever commemoration of World Lymphoedema Day in Kenya. It brought together healthcare professionals, students and stakeholders seeking to improve awareness and care for patients living with the condition.

The initiative was organised by Kenyatta National Hospital in collaboration with the Physiotherapy Council of Kenya and the Kenya Society of Physiotherapists, highlighting the growing need for structured lymphoedema care in the country.

Janet Mwau, a lymphoedema therapist at Kenyatta National Hospital, said the walk marked a milestone in recognising the condition in Kenya.

“We have started to celebrate the first-ever World Lymphedema Day here in Kenya, and we started with an awareness walk campaign to create awareness of what this condition is, to advocate for any person living with this condition that they can actually get care here at Kenyatta Hospital,” she said.

The awareness procession began early in the morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital administration block. KNH doctors and certified lymphoedema therapists led the walk, followed by physiotherapists and students from the Kenya Medical Training College.

Participants carried banners and placards promoting awareness, early diagnosis and support for people living with lymphoedema.

Escorted by police officers to ensure safety and smooth movement along busy roads, the procession moved from the KNH administration area along Hospital Road before joining Ngong Road. The procession attracted the attention of pedestrians, motorists and hospital visitors.

Participants used the opportunity to explain the symptoms and effects of lymphoedema and encourage people to seek medical attention early.

Students from the Kenya Medical Training College also took part in the walk, helping to spread awareness messages among members of the public.

Mwau said the awareness initiative was partly driven by the fact that many patients seek treatment when the condition has already progressed to advanced stages.

“What motivated us to do this is that we normally receive lymphedema patients at a very crucial stage, yet there is so much that can be done at prevention stage and early level,” she added.

After covering part of Ngong Road, the procession returned to Kenyatta National Hospital through the KMTC grounds, completing the awareness route.

The walk formed part of activities organised to commemorate World Lymphoedema Day, including free screening and patient education sessions held at KNH from March 4 to 6.

The initiative aims to help patients better understand the condition and access specialised care.

Organisers said the event marked an important step in raising national awareness about lymphoedema and strengthening advocacy for patients living with the condition.