Zonta of Accra Metropolitan organises webinar on endometriosis

As part of activities to commemorate its fifteen anniversary of incorporation, the Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan organized a webinar on Endometriosis on 24 September 2021. The webinar was well attended by many individuals and professional women and men from various sectors as well as administrators and students of Holy Child School, Wesley Girls High School, St. Mary’s and O’Reilly Senior High schools. The two hour webinar was delivered by a renowned medical doctor and CEO of Nova Medical Centre at East Legon, Dr, Francis Dickson and a survivor of endometriosis Ms Catherine Berko who spiced up the discussions with her honest descriptions of her experiences.

Beginning with the facts, Dr. Dickson said that endometriosis is a condition that is currently one of the most researched areas of medicine in the world. It is a disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus, that is the endometrial tissue (ET), grows outside the uterus. The ET supports the early pregnancy with oxygen and other nutrients from the mother to the growing foetus, because it has a rich supply of blood. But this crucial function can be disrupted through a number of predisposing factors, leading to menstruation-related pelvic pain that is more severe and excruciating than normal menstrual cramps. The severe, disabling and painful menstrual periods of endometriosis start within a few months after the onset of a girl’s first menstrual period. Apart from incidences of severe pain and abnormal bleeding, endometriosis could lead to the damage of the reproductive organs and depression, anxiety, stigma and a poor quality of life.

According to Dr. Dickson, ten percent of all women and potentially, one in four of daughters of a family are susceptible to endometriosis at a given time. Among the predisposing factors for endometriosis he listed are (i) early onset of menstruation (before 12 years) and shorter menstrual cycles (less than 21 days). (ii) Hereditary, because it tends to run in some families. (iii) The condition is more common in tall, thin women. (iv) Reports have it that there is increased incidence among girls who start having sex at a very early age.

Ms. Catherine Berko, founder of Endometriosis Awareness Foundation, Endo Charity, shared her story as a survivor of the disease. “My symptoms began as early as 14 years but went on for eleven years before full diagnosis because significant stakeholders treat menstruation as a taboo subject. I have had eight corrective surgeries to date because of late diagnosis,” she intimated.

Dr. De-Graft Dickson indicated that there is no medication that can completely cure endometriosis. However, treatment cost is just few cedis when diagnosis is early, compared to around US$20,000 when detection is late.

Echoing the words of former United Nations Secretary-General, the late Mr. Kofi Annan that, “There is no development strategy more beneficial to society as a whole – women and men alike – than the one which involves women as central players”, Dr. Dickson concluded that, “Women are the bedrock of society; so when they suffer, the entire society suffers.”

The students who listened with rapt attention asked many probing indicating how extremely interested and fascinated they were. They were encouraged by the professionals to keep reading widely in order to acquire more knowledge.

The webinar was moderated by Mrs Lauretta Aryeetey, President Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan and coordinated by Mrs. Susan Adu-Aryee and Mrs. Gertrude Awumey, Chairperson and Assistant respectively.

Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan is a local chapter of Zonta International, a service club that addresses issues of women and children through service (projects) and advocacy. This international service organization was formed over 100 years ago in Buffalo, New York. It is made up professional women who have dedicated their time and resources to ensure that women’s issues are addressed and every woman is able to attain her full potential.