Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru has introduced a comprehensive awareness campaign to combat cervical cancer, an initiative aimed at reducing the cancer burden through early diagnosis and treatment. Statistics show that nine Kenyan women, including those in their 20s, succumb to cervical cancer complications daily.

According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Roselyn Mungai, stated that the county aims to eliminate cervical cancer by reaching 1 million women and girls with information on screening and vaccination. The county is collaborating with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and offering free screenings at 15 level 4 public health facilities, including the Nakuru Level 5 Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Ms. Mungai emphasized cervical cancer's preventability and treatability, noting that many women globally, including in Kenya, are affected due to lack of information or access to care. The campaign focuses on prevention, early detection, and routine treatment across all 11 sub-counties.

During a Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) review workshop, Ms. Mungai highlighted the importance of addressing information gaps, fear, and social stigma through targeted community outreach. The county plans to implement public education drives and advocacy initiatives to encourage proactive health-seeking behavior.

In collaboration with the development partner Tujenge Jamii, the initiative will promote HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and treatment services. Ms. Mungai stressed the importance of regular screening for early detection and treatment. The HPV vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence.

Governor Susan Kihika's administration is actively promoting vaccination through Community Health Promoters (CHPs), targeting parents to ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine. Regular screening and vaccination are key prevention strategies, with the CECM advising that girls below 15 years be vaccinated and women between 25 and 50 years undergo screening.

Statistics indicate that cervical cancer deaths will rise by 50 percent without action from health stakeholders. Only 16 percent of eligible women have been screened, despite 75 percent being aware of the need. The Ministry of Health's introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2019 aims to protect against HPV types responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Ms. Mungai expressed concern over cervical cancer being a silent disease due to shame culture, lack of sex education, and stigma around sexually transmitted illnesses. Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women worldwide, with the highest incidence and mortality rates in low and middle-income countries.

The CECM highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, voluntary screening, and healthcare workers' follow-up to ensure timely treatment. The WHO's Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative aims to reduce incidence to fewer than four cases per 100,000 women by 2030 through vaccination, screening, and treatment goals.

Efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 include vaccinating 90 percent of girls by age 15, screening 70 percent of women at least twice, and treating 90 percent of those diagnosed. Ms. Mungai concluded by emphasizing the need for collective action to empower women and reduce the impact of cervical cancer.