Community Mobilization, Outreach and Health Education programs are effective for cervical cancer prevention. According to National Institute of Health, these programs ensure high Vaccination, Screening, Coverage rates and adherence to treatment. They are essential tools for overcoming common barriers that impede access to and utilization of preventive care including social taboos, language barriers, misinformation and disinformation, as well as lack of transportation to service sites.

An article by Research Gate, titled “HPV Vaccine Promotion: The Church as an Agent of Change,” asserts that religious leaders, who are trusted by their congregations, can effectively shift perceptions of the HPV vaccine and boost vaccination rates through church-based interventions. These efforts can foster community dialogue, build trust in the healthcare system, reduce stigma associated with the HPV vaccine, and promote vaccination.

Consequently, in regions with strong religious influence, resources should be allocated to educate religious leaders to act as advocates for HPV vaccination within their communities.

National Institute of Health conducted a study to assess the extent to which culture and religion influence early cervical cancer screening in women.

The study indicates that church leaders could use their religious platforms to promote awareness about cervical cancer and encourage their congregants to seek preventive services, including screening and HPV Vaccination

HEALTH CONTEXT IN MARSABIT COUNTY

KILELE Health Association, in collaboration with Marsabit County Health Management Team (CHMT), hosted a sensitization meeting aimed at educating community leaders on matters cervical cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. The event took place in Marsabit County on 17^th April 2024, drawing leaders from religious denominations, teachers, and elders across the region.

OBJECTIVE OF THE MEETING

The primary objective of the meeting was to leverage the influential position of religious leaders, teachers and elders in the community to spread crucial health information.

Ms. Benda Kithaka, Executive Director of KILELE Health Association, emphasized the strategic importance of this approach. “Community leaders are trusted voices within their communities. By equipping them with the right knowledge about cervical cancer, we can significantly broaden our outreach and encourage HPV vaccination for more girls.” she stated.

Mr. Abdub Halakhe provided an update on Marsabit’s HPV vaccination efforts, reporting that between 2019 and 2024, 17,865 girls have received the first dose and 10,901 have received the second dose across 24 sub-counties. Marsabit aims to vaccinate a total of 29,865 girls against HPV.

Ms. Christine Bokayo, Director of Family Health underscored the county’s dedication to improving health outcomes, “This initiative is part of our broader strategy to reduce cancer mortality rates through awareness, vaccination, and early detection programs.”

EDUCATION CONTENT AND DISCUSSION

During the session, participants were educated on cervical cancer causes, risk factors, symptoms and prevention strategies like HPV vaccination, which is recommended for girls aged between 9-14 years and screening women 25 years and above for early detection.

Community leaders present at the meeting expressed their readiness to take an active role in educating community members and congregations on cervical cancer, and advocating for preventive measures, while incorporating health messages into their programs.