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NAIROBI. – The Kenyan woman whose husband chopped off both her arms for alleged failure to bear children has received lifetime support from a global pharmaceuticals company. Jackeline Mwende (27) also suffered multiple injuries on her neck and head after a panga attack by husband Stephen Ngila (34), who it later emerged was the cause of the couple failing to have children.Ngila, whom doctors had diagnosed with having low sperm count, is facing attempted murder charges.

The couple married in 2011.

Merck, the health group, has pledged to support Mwende throughout the rest of her life.

Merck aims to empower infertile women across the continent through access to information, health and change of mindset.

Merck will provide Mwende with a monthly income of $250, then establish a business for her.

She will receive prosthetic hands in addition to the needed physical and physiological rehabilitation. – CAJ News.

In many cultures, childless women still suffer discrimination, stigma and ostracism. Infertility can transform from an acute, private distress into a harsh public stigma.

Experts say this usually result in divorce or physical and psychological violence. Cases of domestic violence have increased in Kenya affecting even senior citizens. Bungoma senator Moses Wetangula recently reported to police that he had been attacked by his wife. – CAJ News