In a critical effort to address the factors behind Marsabit’s low HPV vaccine uptake, KILELE Health Association held a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key community leaders in Marsabit County on August 8th, 2024. The discussions held at Manyatta Jillo Health Centre and Heillu Dispensary, aimed to explore local knowledge and perceptions of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, while also dispelling myths that have hindered the vaccine’s acceptance.

The FGDs brought together community members, including Pastors, Imams, Village Elders, Chiefs, Teachers and CHPs. These stakeholders are crucial in shaping public opinion and influencing health behaviours within Marsabit’s communities.

Marsabit County currently has an HPV vaccine uptake rate below 20%, well below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of vaccinating 90% of girls aged 9-14. Misinformation, nomadic lifestyle, alongside cultural and religious beliefs, has contributed to this low rate. A study by the National Health Institute highlights that religious and community leaders, due to their significant influence, can play a pivotal role in shaping health behaviours and improving vaccine acceptance.

The Discussions:

At Manyatta Jillo Health Centre, the FGD was led by Joan Wangari, Survivor Coordinator at KILELE Health, alongside Caroline Anne, a caregiver from KILELE Health, and Barrack Owino, Technical Expert from the American Cancer Society. Meanwhile, at Heillu Dispensary, the discussion was facilitated by Gideon Gachihi, Programs Officer at KILELE Health, and Eunice Wambua, a cancer survivor.

Participants were asked about their knowledge of cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine, and their perceptions of the vaccine’s purpose and effects. Themes that emerged from the discussions included:

• Misinformation: The belief that the HPV vaccine causes infertility was a common misconception shared by many participants.
• Lack of Awareness: There was a widespread lack of knowledge about cervical cancer, including its causes and the role of the HPV vaccine in preventing it.
• Perception of a Death Sentence: Some participants believed that a cervical cancer diagnosis was untreatable and would inevitably lead to death.
• Openness to Learning: Despite the gaps in understanding, many community leaders expressed a willingness to learn more and take action to educate their communities.

Next Steps

Following the FGDs, KILELE Health Team and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) conducted homestead visits to engage directly with community members about cervical cancer and the importance of HPV vaccination. This gave the CHPs an opportunity to practice their communication skills and gauge community reactions in real time.

The FGDs were an essential step in uncovering the root causes of the low HPV vaccine uptake in Marsabit. By engaging trusted community figures, KILELE Health hopes to initiate a ripple effect that will lead to broader acceptance of the vaccine. With leaders showing a willingness to learn, there is potential for them to play a key role in reshaping public attitudes towards the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer prevention.

KILELE Health remains committed to breaking down the barriers that have hindered vaccine uptake in Marsabit County, and through these FGDs, they have taken a significant step towards fostering greater awareness and understanding of cervical cancer prevention.

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