NAIROBI — Chronic pain is quietly tightening its grip on Kenya. And for many, it’s a battle fought behind closed doors.
Medical experts are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a growing public health concern, with more Kenyans silently suffering from persistent pain that affects not just the body but the mind, income, and overall quality of life.
“Pain can be an isolating experience, yet no one should tackle pain alone,” said Enid Moraa, Head of Expert for Sub-Saharan Africa at Haleon, a global health company. “That’s why the Institute is committed to ensuring patients are heard, healthcare professionals are supported, and that no one feels alone in their pain.”
Haleon this week launched the Pain Management Institute (HPMI) in Nairobi, in what it says is a step towards transforming how pain is recognised and treated. It’s a significant move for Kenya, placing the country at the centre of a global push to better understand and manage chronic pain, especially among marginalised groups.
According to Haleon, Kenya’s market for pain treatment is growing fast. It was valued at around $52 million in 2022 and is expected to hit $89 million by 2030. The numbers, experts say, reflect not just higher demand for medication—but a public struggle that has long gone unheard.
A 2023 survey by the company, which included responses from over 18,000 people and 600 healthcare professionals across 18 countries, found that pain is often dismissed or misunderstood. It showed that 86 percent of healthcare workers believe many patients find it embarrassing or difficult to talk about pain, while 79 percent said its effect on everyday life is routinely underestimated.
“Pain is a universal experience that cuts across culture, age, and gender,” said Mark Pfister, Haleon’s General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa. “What the Index revealed was that pain disproportionately impacts marginalised populations, such as women and Gen Z.”
Pfister added that young people who make up a large share of Africa’s population—are especially vulnerable. “These young people, who are the engine of Africa’s economic future, will not be spared from the burden of pain,” he said.
Women also appear to bear the brunt. Experts say social stigma, gender bias in medicine, and limited access to healthcare often leave women without adequate treatment.
The new institute in Nairobi has outlined three goals: expand patient education and support, invest in research, and strengthen the ability of medical professionals to respond to complex pain conditions. Haleon says it hopes to reach 20 million people across the region by 2030 with improved pain care.
At present, many Kenyans rely on over-the-counter drugs or traditional remedies, and avoid seeking medical advice due to fear, stigma or cost. Experts say a shift in public dialogue is long overdue.
“We must stop treating pain as a symptom,” said Moraa. “For millions, it is the condition.”
