Gov’t urges HPV vaccination for girls aged below 15 in cervical cancer fight

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has called on parents to get their daughters vaccinated for Human papillomavirus (HPV).

Muthoni on Sunday said January being cervical cancer awareness month, the government is committed to ensuring all girls below the age of 15 get vaccinated to protect them against HPV, which can cause cervical cancer.

She said that through the community health promoters, the Ministry of Health has embarked on an awareness campaign to encourage parents to get their children vaccinated, noting that it is safe and they should not fear it.

Muthoni said regular cervical cancer screening can detect precancerous changes early, calling on women aged between 25 and 50 to be screened for cervical cancer every five years, starting at age 25.

“It is very critical at this time that any girl below the age of 15 should be taken for HPV vaccinations. Similarly, any woman between the ages of 25 and 50 should go for screening,” the PS said.

Muthoni said there is a need for regular screening for early detection so that one can start treatment in good time when diagnosed with cancer.

She was speaking at Mung'ang'a ACK church in Mathigaini, Kirinyaga County.