The Nairobi County Health Ministry, in collaboration with Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), has launched a large-scale mobilization effort to increase Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening among women. This initiative aims to bridge the significant gap in cervical cancer prevention efforts by using BD’s newly FDA-approved self-collection technology, offering women a more accessible and private screening method.
Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in Kenya, where it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) reports that approximately 3,211 women succumb to the disease annually. Globally, cervical cancer claims over 341,000 lives each year, with nearly 90% of those fatalities occurring in low- and lower-middle-income countries like Kenya.
Despite the availability of screening services, Kenya faces significant challenges in meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cervical cancer elimination targets, which require at least 70% of women aged 35–45 to be screened. Currently, only 17% of Kenyan women have ever undergone screening, leaving millions at risk. The newly launched initiative aims to increase these numbers by empowering women with self-screening tools that are convenient, private, and accessible.
Several factors have contributed to the low screening rates in Kenya, including cultural stigmas, limited access to healthcare facilities, and a shortage of trained medical personnel. Women, particularly those in marginalized and underserved communities, often face logistical and financial barriers that prevent them from accessing screening services.
BD’s self-collection technology seeks to eliminate these challenges by allowing women to collect their own samples in a private and comfortable environment. This method not only empowers women to take charge of their health but also enhances early detection efforts, a crucial step in reducing cervical cancer mortality rates.
Dr. Irene Muchoki, Chief Officer for Medical Services in Nairobi County, emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing health inequities. “This is a significant milestone in the fight to eliminate cervical cancer in Nairobi and Kenya at large. The role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in reaching vulnerable populations is crucial to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” she stated.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), and Healthstrat. These partnerships are key to raising awareness, training healthcare workers, and ensuring that screening services reach the most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Andrew Nyandigisi, CEO of Healthstrat, highlighted the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in tackling cervical cancer. “By working with Community Health Promoters, we continue to ensure that women can access the kits and crucial information to fight cervical cancer. Our mandate is to partner in executing the Ministry’s strategy, focusing on early detection and capacity building across the healthcare system,” he said.
As Kenya strives to meet WHO’s elimination targets, innovative screening solutions like BD’s self-collection technology present a promising opportunity to transform cervical cancer prevention. By breaking down barriers to access, this initiative could pave the way for improved screening rates, early detection, and ultimately, reduced cervical cancer-related deaths.
Public health experts and policymakers remain optimistic that through sustained efforts, community engagement, and continued innovation, Kenya will make significant strides toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
