According to the HPV Information Centre, 5236 women in Kenya are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, and 3211 deaths are observed from the disease. Cervical cancer stands as the second most common cancer among women aged 15 to 44 in Kenya.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to the cure of cervical cancer. This is because Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, typically takes 15 to 20 years for abnormal cells to progress into cancer.

In 2020, the WHO introduced a global strategy aimed at eliminating cervical cancer. The strategy outlined the following targets:

• Ensuring that 90% of girls receive the HPV vaccine by the age of 15.
• Screening 70% of women with a high-quality HPV test between the ages of 35 and 45.
• Ensuring that 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receive appropriate treatment.

Achieving these targets could prevent new cases of cervical cancer and reduce mortality rates by 2120.

A report by the National Institute of Health (NIH) highlights the potential of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in regions where there is a shortage of healthcare professionals to conduct screening.

The report says CHPs engage in education, outreach, and awareness programs to increase screening coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Their roles include recruiting community members, educating them about the self-collection of HPV samples, and facilitating the transportation of samples to healthcare facilities for testing. Additionally, CHPs raise awareness about the importance of cervical cancer screening and encourage follow-up through educational outreach initiatives.

In a concerted effort to eliminate cervical cancer, KILELE Health Association held a sensitization training session for CHPs on HPV self-sampling. This took place on 4^th April 2024 at Ishiara Level 5 Hospital.

The sensitization meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including members of KILELE Health Association, healthcare professionals, and CHPs, converging to spearhead a campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting proactive screening measures within the community

Participants were trained on cervical cancer, the efficacy of self-sampling and how to perform self-sampling using the HPV self-sampling kits.

Rita Njiru, Project Officer with KILELE Health Association commenced the session by explaining the Thamani Yetu project.

“Thamani Yetu project aims to enhance cervical cancer prevention and early detection by engaging 40,000 community members in Mbeere North Sub-County, Embu County, with information and interventions on cervical cancer.”

She added that the project aimed to:

• Advocate for the implementation of the WHO 90-70-90 targets in Mbeere North Sub-County, Embu County.
• Promote access to HPV Vaccination and Cervical Health Screening for early detection in target communities.
• Set up a community-led navigation system for ease of access to service across the cancer care continuum

Madam Emily Maina, from the National Oncology Reference Laboratory, underscored the pressing need to demystify HPV and advocate for self-testing in response to the alarming prevalence of cervical cancer, especially in underserved communities.

She stated, “The acceptability and uptake of these interventions by women may be hindered by limited knowledge of cervical cancer and inadequate training for self-collected vaginal specimens for HPV testing.” She further emphasized, “We require methods to enhance the uptake and implementation of cervical screening, ensuring universal health coverage for essential health services worldwide.”

The National Institute of Health emphasizes that Community Health Promoters (CHPs) are integral members of the communities they serve, uniquely positioned to enhance the acceptance, and effectiveness of cervical cancer screening initiatives within their localities. They can also receive training to administer community-based cervical ‘screen and treat’ programs alongside their educational, outreach, or awareness-raising duties.

Gideon Gachihi, Project Officer with KILELE Health Association, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Armed with knowledge, individuals can proactively engage in preventive healthcare, thus mitigating the risk of late-stage diagnoses and improving overall health outcomes.”

Under careful guidance, individuals were equipped with the skills to confidently and accurately navigate the self-sampling process.

As the meeting concluded, participants were furnished with 300 HPV Self-sampling kits. The Community Health Promoters pledged to distribute these kits to eligible women in their communities and to return the samples to Ishiara Level 5 Hospital.