Medical doctors operating hydrocele and elephantiasis patients at the Magarini Sub County Hospital in Kilifi County on November 17, 2025. The County has partnered with AMREF Health Kenya to offer free surgical treatment to hydrocele patients as one way of eradicating the Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti
The Kilifi County government, in collaboration with AMREF Health Kenya, has made significant progress in the treatment and eradication of hydrocele and elephantiasis, offering renewed hope to residents who have long suffered in silence.
Over the past four years, more than 300 patients — including children, adults, and the elderly — have undergone successful surgeries to remove painful swellings caused by the two Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Magarini Sub-County remains the most affected area, prompting targeted interventions by the Ministry of Health and partners.
Hydrocele, a mosquito-borne condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the male reproductive system, and elephantiasis — medically known as lymphatic filariasis — which causes enlargement of limbs and swelling in various body parts, have long been misunderstood. According to health officials, cultural beliefs and stigma previously pushed many patients to suffer quietly, with some attributing the conditions to witchcraft.
Walter Kagohu, a Ministry of Health official in Magarini, said the initiative was launched after it became clear that many residents were unable to access treatment due to prohibitive costs and social stigma.
“The cost itself was very high for the patients because they could not afford the Sh15,000 needed for surgery, plus transport and accommodation fees to far-flung hospitals,” Kagohu said. “The stigma too was another hindrance to treatment.”
Through the partnership, AMREF Health Kenya contributes Sh10,000 towards each surgery, while the Kilifi County government covers the remaining amount, ensuring that no patient is charged for the procedure.
“Since the program started, we have operated on more than 300 patients, including children, and the cases are going down due to the intervention. In the first phase, surgeons worked on 149 patients, and now we only have 49 awaiting surgery,” Kagohu added.
Kilifi County and Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Gilbert Angore, noted that all children diagnosed with the condition are referred to the facility for specialized care, while adults are treated at the Magarini Sub-County Hospital.
The county government says the initiative has not only reduced disease prevalence but also restored dignity and confidence for affected families across Kilifi.
