
KILELE HEALTH ASSOCIATION HOLDS A SENSITIZATION TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTERS ON HPV SELF-SAMPLING AT ISHIARA LEVEL 5 HOSPITAL
May 1, 2024
MS. BENDA KITHAKA, KENYAN HEALTH ADVOCATE RECEIVES THE 2024 RACHEL PEARLINE AWARD FOR CANCER PREVENTION EFFORTS
May 1, 2024Cervical cancer remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare services and awareness about prevention measures are often limited. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women in these regions, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths reported annually as of 2022.
In Kenya, the situation is equally alarming. A 2023 report by The HPV Information Centre reveals that 5,236 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and tragically, 3,211 lose their lives to this disease. The report further underscores the vulnerability of Kenya’s population, with an estimated 16.8 million women aged 15 years and older at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Despite the availability of screening and vaccination programs, many women and their families are unaware of the importance of early detection and prevention measures. The National Cancer Institute identifies lack of knowledge about screening and prevention as a primary barrier to timely intervention. Additionally, misconceptions about HPV vaccination contribute to hesitancy among parents, worsening the issue.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, KILELE Health Association has taken proactive measures in raising awareness and promoting preventive measures against cervical cancer to communities in grass roots levels by empowering them with knowledge about the disease.
On April 9th, KILELE Health Association joined forces with St. Monica’s Girls Secondary School to host a virtual meeting dedicated to cervical cancer awareness. Themed “Knowledge as Power,” the session aimed to advocate for proactive health practices and fostering a supportive network for individuals affected by cervical cancer.
The meeting sought to confront these challenges by empowering communities with knowledge, advocating for proactive preventive measures, and fostering a sense of resilience.
Sister Flora Karimi, Principal of St. Monica Girls Ishiara, emphasized the significance of addressing cervical cancer awareness: “Today’s meeting is aimed to promote awareness, encourage proactive health practices, and foster a supportive network for individuals affected by cervical cancer.
She underscored the importance of empowerment through knowledge, emphasizing the role of education in navigating cervical health positively.
Ms. Benda, the Executive Director of KILELE Health Association, highlighted the Thamani Yetu Project, which aims to empower women in Embu through education and screening services.
“Thamani Yetu Project aims to enhance cervical cancer prevention and early detection by engaging 40,000 community members in Embu County, with information prevention strategies. We also aim to vaccinate 1500 girls with HPV vaccine and screen 1000 women with HPV test for early detection as cervical cancer takes 10 years to develop giving hope for prevention.”
Through informative sessions, participants gained insights into cervical cancer prevention, treatment, and advocacy efforts. Dr. Josephine Kibaru Mbae, a breast cancer survivor, stressed the importance of early detection: “By promoting regular screenings and access to healthcare services, we can save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering.”
Ms. Benda Kithaka noted that cervical cancer continues to be a significant health challenge, particularly in Africa, where late diagnosis and limited awareness contribute to high mortality rates.
“Cervical cancer knows no boundaries. It affects women from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status,” emphasized Ms. Benda. “Todays’ meeting seeks to confront these issues head-on by empowering each one of us with knowledge, advocating for proactive preventive measures, and fostering a sense of community resilience”
Ms. Benda concluded by saying that KILELE Health Association exemplifies the power of knowledge and community engagement in the fight against cervical cancer.
“By empowering individuals with information, advocating for policy changes, and fostering supportive networks, we can make significant strides towards eliminating cervical cancer and improving healthcare outcomes for all.”