A team of researchers at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is spearheading an initiative to enhance cervical cancer screening by promoting self-sample collection for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing. The project, led by Dr. Gregory Sakwa as the Principal Investigator (PI), aims to provide a culturally acceptable and practical solution to improve HPV screening rates among Kenyan women.
On February 25, 2025, the research team held an introductory meeting for the project’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) at Keikei Homestay in Kakamega. The initiative, funded by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), is titled “Co-Designing a Culturally Acceptable Strategy to Optimize Uptake of HPV Self-Sample Collection to Increase Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment for Women in Kenya (SELHP).”
Dr. Sakwa emphasized that self-sample collection is a transformative approach that allows women aged 25 to 49 to collect their own cervical samples for HPV testing, thus eliminating barriers such as discomfort, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare facilities. “Cervical cancer screening enables early detection of precancerous cells, which can be treated before advancing. The Community Advisory Committee will help us ensure that this strategy reaches as many women as possible in the community,” he stated.
The CAC consists of a diverse group of stakeholders, including opinion leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, previously screened and unscreened women, and local administrators. Their primary objectives include:
- Providing insights into the study design.
- Assisting in recruitment strategies.
- Enhancing community trust and participation.
- Supporting the dissemination of research findings.
Notable committee members include Prof. Peter Bukhala (Co-PI, MMUST), Dr. Zachary Kwena (Co-PI, KEMRI), and Ms. Helen Odeny (Co-PI, County Government of Kakamega).
Ms. Esther Mboya, the Sub-County Reproductive Health Coordinator, provided an overview of cervical cancer prevention efforts in Kakamega County. She highlighted the Ministry of Health’s commitment to advocating for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination. “We work closely with the community to ensure every eligible woman is included in screening and preventive measures,” she noted.
Kakamega County was chosen as the research site due to its high prevalence of cervical cancer risk factors and low screening rates. Many women in rural areas face challenges such as limited healthcare facilities, financial constraints, and cultural stigmas that prevent them from seeking routine screening.
The introduction of self-sample collection aims to:
Offer a more convenient and private alternative to clinic-based screening.
Reduce fear and embarrassment associated with traditional screening methods.
Empower women to take control of their health.
With growing evidence supporting self-sampling as an effective method for detecting high-risk HPV strains, this initiative has the potential to significantly improve cervical cancer prevention strategies in Kenya.
By involving community leaders, healthcare professionals, and researchers, the SELHP project is positioned to influence national healthcare policies on cervical cancer screening. If successful, this model could be replicated across Kenya, ensuring that more women, especially those in marginalized areas, access life-saving screening and treatment services.
As the research progresses, the MMUST team remains committed to working with the community to refine and implement the strategy effectively. Their efforts could mark a turning point in the fight against cervical cancer, making early detection and prevention more accessible to women across the country.
