As we made our way to a friend’s house in the expansive Kibera slums for an interview, her lively spirit was evident. She chose this location to avoid the watchful eyes at home, where she lives with eight family members.
As we walked, Talia greeted everyone enthusiastically, her face brightening with each encounter as she casually promised to catch up later.
In 2022, during her final year of secondary school, Talia’s cheerful demeanor was overshadowed by a troubling experience: she began to suffer from a burning sensation while urinating, abdominal pain, and vaginal itching.
Feeling alarmed and uncertain, she sought advice from her friends, indirectly asking about her symptoms out of fear of shame.
“I was told to use lemon, which I bought for Sh50. I applied it to my vagina, but the itching only worsened, and soon there was a foul smell,” she recalls, absentmindedly petting a rabbit.
After a week of this ineffective remedy, she switched to bathing in water boiled with cloves, yet still found no relief.
Ultimately, Talia received a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection (UTI) after enduring more than three months of severe pain.
“If I had confided in the school nurses or our matron, they would have labeled me a lesbian, believing only lesbians experience these issues,” she explains.
“My mother would think I was being reckless, so I confided in a close aunt, who suggested I was bewitched and took me to a herbalist for treatment.”
When the herbal remedies proved ineffective, Talia finally shared her struggles with Gertrude Injelwe, a community health promoter in Kibera, who encouraged her to seek professional medical help, leading to appropriate treatment.
Understanding UTIs
Dr. Joan Okemo, a gynaecologist at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, explains that a UTI is any infection affecting the urinary system, which includes the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Bladder infections, or cystitis, are the most common.
“Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. While our bodies contain beneficial bacteria, when they move to inappropriate areas, problems arise,” she notes.
Dr. Okemo cautions against using home remedies like lemons and cloves, stating, “These can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance, making one more susceptible to infections.”
According to the CDC, UTI symptoms include burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and abdominal cramping. Complicated cases affecting the kidneys can lead to more severe symptoms.
Dr. Okemo explains that women are more prone to UTIs due to their anatomy, which increases the likelihood of bacterial cross-contamination.
In informal settlements like Kibera, inadequate access to clean water, poor hygiene, and unreliable toilet facilities contribute significantly to the risk of UTIs. Reports indicate that about 75% of residents lack access to clean water, forcing them to purchase it at inflated prices.
The Impact of Reproductive Infections
UTIs and vaginal infections are commonly reported in gynecological clinics, with the Kenya Bureau of Statistics noting that UTIs rank among the top five diseases in medical facilities nationwide. Between 2022 and 2023, UTI cases rose from 2.5 million to 2.8 million.
Dr. Okemo emphasizes that a balanced vaginal flora is crucial in preventing infections. Disruptions can lead to conditions such as vaginitis, which can occur alongside UTIs.
Clinician Wilfred Omari from the Aids Healthcare Foundation in Mathare highlights the concerning rise in these infections among young people, particularly those aged 14-24. Many delay seeking treatment due to fears of stigma or misunderstanding their symptoms as sexually transmitted infections.
Addressing Myths and Drug Resistance
Dr. Okemo clarifies misconceptions regarding the transmission of UTIs, stating, “Bacteria causing UTIs are not introduced through toilet use.” However, some healthcare workers maintain a cautionary stance on shared facilities.
Effective treatment typically involves antibiotics, though recurrent infections require thorough evaluation. The risk of drug resistance is heightened in communities with poor health-seeking behaviors.
Organizations like Polycom Girls are working to improve sexual health education and resources in Kibera. They provide anonymous communication channels for girls to discuss sensitive topics and distribute sanitary products.
Experts advocate for comprehensive sexual education to empower young people with knowledge about their reproductive health, helping them make informed decisions and seek necessary care.
This reporting was supported by the International Women Media Foundation’s Howard G. Buffett Fund for Women Journalists.
