Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, has urged Kenyans to prioritize regular cervical cancer screenings for early detection and prevention. Highlighting the importance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, she emphasized the need to spread awareness through various channels, including churches, to ensure the message reaches a wider audience.
Cervical cancer prevention hinges on two key strategies: regular screening and vaccination. Parents were encouraged to have their daughters vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by preventing the types of HPV most commonly associated with the disease.
Early detection through cervical screening is critical as it allows for the identification and treatment of precancerous lesions before they progress to cancer. Muthoni emphasized the importance of regular screenings for women aged 25 to 50 and urged parents to ensure their daughters under 15 receive the HPV vaccine.
Speaking during a church service in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Muthoni outlined her ministry’s efforts to raise awareness. The Ministry of Health, through Community Health Promoters (CHPs), has launched a campaign to educate parents about the importance and safety of the HPV vaccine. She assured the public that the vaccine is safe and encouraged everyone to embrace it without fear. The CHPs will also play a pivotal role in addressing misconceptions about the vaccine and building trust within communities.
“There is a need for regular screening for early detection so that treatment can begin at the earliest stage if cancer is diagnosed. Every girl below 15 years should be taken for vaccination, while women between 25 and 50 years should go for screening,” Muthoni stressed.
Additionally, she reassured Kenyans that the Social Health Authority is committed to ensuring equitable access to health services, leaving no one behind. The government’s focus remains on making healthcare services accessible and affordable to all citizens, particularly for critical health interventions like cancer prevention and treatment.
The church also pledged its support in the fight against cervical cancer. Kirinyaga Diocese Bishop Joseph Kibucwa called on churches to take an active role in encouraging women to undergo screenings and advocating for HPV vaccination for young girls. The bishop highlighted the financial burden associated with cancer treatment and emphasized that early detection could significantly alleviate the cost and emotional strain on patients and their families.
“Early detection will be a great relief to cancer patients due to the cost of treatment. We will partner with the government to create awareness this month in all churches,” he said.
By leveraging partnerships with religious institutions, the Ministry of Health aims to amplify its message and reach more communities. Churches, as trusted community hubs, are well-positioned to influence public attitudes toward health interventions and dispel myths about medical procedures like vaccination.
The government’s proactive approach to cervical cancer awareness underscores its commitment to reducing the burden of the disease. By promoting vaccination, regular screenings, and early detection, Kenya is taking significant steps toward improving public health outcomes and ensuring a healthier future for women and girls across the country.
