Lupita Nyong’o has embarked on an influential awareness campaign dubbed ‘Make Fibroids Count’, shedding light on a 12-year health journey that remained largely private until now. The Oscar-winning actress, who was diagnosed with 30 uterine fibroids in 2014—the same year she celebrated her Academy Award triumph—has joined forces with the Foundation for Women’s Health to radically improve treatment options for women affected by this condition.
The campaign highlights critical facts about uterine fibroids, which impact over 15 million women in the U.S. and cost the healthcare system roughly $6 billion each year. Nyong’o’s initiative strives to challenge the normalization of female pain and advocate for legislative action to improve treatment access and research funding.
Initially, Nyong’o kept her diagnosis private, grappling with the pain while achieving professional success. Upon learning of her fibroids, she sought preventive measures but found little hope. This experience has ignited her passion for public advocacy, driving her to launch the ‘Make Fibroids Count’ campaign on February 25, 2026.
As part of her efforts, Nyong’o introduced a groundbreaking $200,000 research grant in collaboration with the Foundation for Women’s Health. This grant aims to encourage the development of minimally-invasive treatments, addressing a significant gap in medical research. Despite the prevalence of fibroids—affecting 80% of Black women and 70% of white women by age 50—research funding remains significantly underprioritized.
In July 2025, Nyong’o took her advocacy a step further by working alongside U.S. lawmakers, including Congresswoman Shontel Brown, to introduce the U-FIGHT Act. This crucial legislation calls for enhanced funding for fibroid research and improved treatment access, highlighting the disparities faced by Black women who often experience more severe symptoms.
Nyong’o’s determination to shed light on this overlooked health crisis has initiated a compelling public discourse. Women across social media have bravely shared their own experiences, establishing a powerful support network. Notably, tennis superstar Venus Williams has also joined the fight, amplifying the message and encouraging open dialogue surrounding fibroids.
The ‘Make Fibroids Count’ campaign signifies a crucial turning point in the recognition of women’s health issues. It represents a movement that not only aims to raise awareness but also to foster comprehensive advancements in medical research and treatment options. Nyong’o’s proactive stance promises to inspire other public figures to leverage their influence for the benefit of women’s health on a broader scale, ultimately enabling millions of women to gain the validation and hope they deserve in their health journeys.