HPV vaccine key to preventing Cervical cancer — Experts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that can affect both men and women, transmitted through sexual contact.

The virus causes warts and, if not treated, can progress to cancer over time. Many women don’t know about the HPV vaccine, which protects against the cancer-causing HPV strain, due to fear, cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and misconceptions about the vaccine.

Women between the ages of 21 to 29 years should go for screening every three years, while those between 30 and 45 should go for screening every 5 years, to identify and treat any abnormality before it transitions into cancer.

This should be done regardless of one’s sexual activity of history. Currently, only 17 percent of women in Kenya have ever gone for cancer screening.

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that has precancerous cells (these are cells that are not yet cancerous) and can be treated to prevent the development of cervical cancer.

The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), reports that cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Kenyan women in Kenya, with an estimated 3,211 deaths annually.

Statistics from the HPV information center reveals that an estimated 16.8 million Kenyan women aged 15 years and older are at risk of developing cervical cancer.

The introduction of self-collection test kits empowers women to overcome the stigma and logistic barriers to screening, by allowing them collect their own samples in privacy without the need for a clinical visit.

Cultural and religious stigma, limited access to healthcare professionals, misinformation and disinformation are the major challenges that hinder efforts to combat the disease in Kenya.

“Women find the process of cervical cancer screening a bit uncomfortable and slightly painful, while socio-cultural and religious factors hinder some from coming for screening.” Says Dr. Martin Wafula, the CEO Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, adding that the insertion of the gynecological vaginal speculum causes some discomfort. 

“We have acquired self-test cervical cancer kits where women will just visit the hospital, pick the kit, go home and get the cervical swab by themselves then bring it to the facility for analysis and determination” he continues.

Dr. Wafula adds that the traditional Pap smear might slowly be phased out because of innovative approaches like these self-test kits that are more accessible, comfortable, convenient and less invasive. 

 “As we usher in the Women’s History Month and ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8th 2025, this self-collection HPV DNA kit will help women have an early diagnosis of cervical cancer which will allow them facilitate the necessary treatment. The kit is currently available at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital” Daktari says.

According to the CEO, over 700 Community Health Promotors (CHPs) have been trained to deliver key health services in their communities especially reaching the vulnerable population like slums and rural areas.

These services include emphasis on early detection, screening and linking individuals to relevant health care, because many women in such areas or from low-income backgrounds face challenges in accessing healthcare facilities and the information needed.

“We all have the responsibility of ensuring that no woman dies of cervical cancer. It is preventable and curable if detected in the early stages. More than 90% of cervical cancer cases are detected late when the battle is almost, or already lost and this is what we want to avoid as a country. Let’s advocate for early screening and incorporate the HPV vaccine as part of the strategy to improve our women’s health.” concludes Dr. Wafula.