Cervical cancer remains a significant health challenge in Kenya, with 10 women dying from the disease every day.
Experts emphasise that this burden can be significantly reduced through early diagnosis, screening, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls aged 10-14.
Kenya ranks among the top 20 countries globally with the highest burden of cervical cancer, with approximately 5,845 new cases and 3,591 deaths reported annually, according to Globocan data.
Dr. Jean-Paula Bor, Head of the National Cancer Control Program, stressed the urgent need to ramp up awareness campaigns for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination.
“There is a need for regular screening for early detection so that one can start treatment at the earliest stage… Every girl below 15 years should be taken for vaccination while women between 25-49 years should go for screening,” she stated.
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV and is more prevalent among women living with HIV.
Key preventive strategies include:
- HPV Vaccination: The HPV vaccine, introduced in Kenya in 2019, protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause at least 70% of cervical cancers (according to the WHO). It is most effective when administered to girls before sexual debut (ages 10-14). The Ministry of Health encourages all girls below 15 to receive the free HPV vaccine available at all public health facilities.
- Screening: Regular screening is crucial for early detection. Women aged 25-49 are particularly encouraged to undergo screening. Early detection allows for the treatment of precancerous lesions, preventing the development of invasive cancer.
Dr. W. Mugambi | NVIP: Since 2019, over 3.3M girls in Kenya have received the HPV-1 vaccine, and 2.3M have received the HPV-2 dose. We’re making strides toward eliminating cervical cancer!#CervicalCancerAwareness #HPVVaccination pic.twitter.com/kjydXOBTRi
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) January 24, 2025
Dr. Bor emphasised the preventability and treatability of cervical cancer, stating, “For many women, cervical cancer remains a serious threat due to lack of information or access to necessary care.”
She urged women to visit health facilities for regular screening and encouraged parents to have their daughters vaccinated.
Rose Jalango, Head of the National Vaccine and Immunization Program, affirmed the safety and effectiveness of HPV vaccines and called on the media to disseminate accurate information and dispel myths surrounding the vaccine.
Professor Fred Were, Chief Executive Director of the Kenya Pediatrics Research Consortium, further confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, stating that “every woman who is alive and has a cervix should be vaccinated.”
Despite 75% of eligible women aged 25-49 being aware of the need for screening, only 48% have been screened at some point, according to the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Bor noted that 80% of people will have at least one type of HPV infection during their lifetime, often without experiencing symptoms.
The Ministry of Health, in a speech delivered by a representative of CS Barasa, reiterated its commitment to prioritizing prevention within the UHC framework.
“By integrating cervical cancer prevention into primary healthcare services, strengthening health systems, and addressing barriers to care, our country is taking bold steps toward the WHO goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.”
Dr. Bor concluded, “When we vaccinate girls early and increase screening rates for women, we’re not just preventing cervical cancer; we’re saving families from devastating losses. This is a journey we can only achieve by working together with all stakeholders… Cervical cancer elimination is within our reach.”
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