CERVICAL CANCER BURDEN AND GLOBAL INITIATIVES

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women globally. More than 5,250 new cases and 3,268 deaths from cervical cancer are reported annually. This is according to data from Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN). In Kenya, at least nine women die of cervical cancer daily.

The WHO launched a global elimination strategy in 2020, to be achieved by 2030, for the elimination of cervical cancer by vaccinating 90% of girls between 9-15 years with the HPV Vaccine, screening 70% of women with high quality test by ages 35-45 and treating 90% of women with invasive cervical cancer lesions.

In 2019, the Kenyan government initiated a program offering free HPV vaccines, consisting of two doses given to girls aged 9-14, 6 months apart. However, the uptake of this vaccine has been notably low, with only 31% of eligible girls fully vaccinated as of 2021.

BARRIERS TO VACCINATION UPTAKE

According to a Data Health Information Software (DHIS), a health management data platform, Marsabit County stands at 11% HPV Vaccination rates for girls.

National Institute of Health affirms that low uptake of the HPV vaccine has been attributed to inadequate knowledge of the HPV Vaccine, hesitancy due to myths and misconceptions, inadequate vaccine campaigns, poverty and religious beliefs.

 INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR HPV VACCINATION

KILELE Health Association and County Health Management Team from Marsabit convened for a pivotal meeting on 16^th April 2024, to strategize and forge pathways towards combating the burden of cervical cancer in Marsabit region.

The meeting unfolded the backdrop of Marsabit County’s commitment to enhancing healthcare and empowering its communities, in implementing comprehensive cervical health interventions. This is through disseminating crucial information on HPV vaccination, aligning with WHO’s 90-70-90 elimination strategy for cervical cancer.

During his presentation, Mr. Abdub Halakhe, shed light on Marsabit’s HPV vaccination progress.

“Between 2019 and 2024, Marsabit targeted a population of 29,865 for vaccination. 17,865 girls have received the first dose and 10,901 the second dose in 24 sub counties.”

He stated that innovative strategies, including engaging political stakeholders, school-based outreach programs, leveraging local media for advocacy purposes, and involvement of teachers in dispelling myths around vaccination have contributed to the vaccination coverage in the region.

Ms. Benda Kithaka, Executive Director KILELE Health Association outlined the objective of the program in Marsabit County, encompassing collaboration efforts, capacity building for healthcare workers and community engagement on cervical cancer preventive measures.

“KILELE is glued to community outreach, through partnerships with stakeholders, to raise awareness about HPV Vaccination for girls aged 9-15 Years and empower communities about cervical cancer prevention methods. In Marsabit, we have an objective to increase HPV vaccination by at least 20% within one year.”

She added that to achieve this, collaboration with County Governments and local CBOs in Marsabit County, is essential in order to capacity build healthcare providers, enlist CHPs and CHAs to champion community engagement activities and co-develop a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) plan for HPV vaccination for girls in the County.     

H.E Grace Galmo, C.E.C Officer Marsabit County commended Marsabit County’s initiatives and deliberated on ways to enhance cervical cancer prevention efforts. Key points included increasing advocacy, capacitating healthcare workers, and facilitating collaboration between stakeholders.

According to a systematic review by National Institute of Health, HPV vaccination is an important tool to prevent and control HPV infection. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) causes cervical cancer, after multiple reinfections of up-to 10-15 years.

The study found that interventions that improved the initiation of the HPV vaccine were education inventions, outreach programs, training of healthcare workers, consultations and financial incentives from stakeholders, and brief health messaging interventions. These would improve HPV vaccination initiation, coverage and uptake.

CALL TO ACTION

The meeting in Marsabit shows stakeholders remain resolute in the battle against cervical cancer by utilizing survivor voices for advocacy and innovating strides in safeguarding the well being of women.