A petition has been submitted to Parliament seeking to have low libido and related sexual disorders recognised as disabilities under Kenyan law.
The petition, addressed to the National Assembly and the Senate, argues that persistent low libido and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) can cause long term psychological, emotional and social challenges, and should qualify for protection under the Persons with Disabilities Act.
If approved, people diagnosed with the conditions could qualify for disability protection and access to specialised treatment. The petitioner is also seeking the issuance of disability cards to eligible patients after medical assessment.
The petition also wants Parliament to amend the Social Health Insurance Act to allow the Social Health Authority (SHA) to cover assessment, diagnosis, counselling and treatment of the conditions.
“Persistent Low Libido and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) are medical conditions capable of causing substantial psychological, emotional, relational and functional impairment,” the petition states.
According to the petitioner, many Kenyans are suffering in silence because of stigma, with some relationships and marriages breaking down as a result.
The petition cites research claiming that about one in every 10 young people in Nairobi experiences erectile dysfunction. It argues that sexual dysfunction is increasingly affecting younger people and has become a growing public health concern.
The petitioner is also calling on the Ministry of Health to develop national guidelines for screening, diagnosis and treatment, besides rolling out public awareness campaigns to encourage affected Kenyans to seek medical help.
Parliament is expected to consider the proposals before deciding whether the recommended changes should be adopted.
