PS Muthoni Urges Kenyans to Embrace Regular Cervical Cancer Screening

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Public Health Principal Secretary Advocates for Vaccination and Early Detection During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Nairobi, Kenya| Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni has called on Kenyans to prioritize regular cervical cancer screening and vaccination to facilitate early detection and prevention.

Speaking as January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, PS Muthoni emphasized the importance of utilizing this period to increase public awareness about cervical cancer prevention.

The Ministry of Health has planned a series of public sensitization campaigns, including church-based outreach programs, to ensure critical information about cervical cancer reaches diverse audiences.

Importance of Screening and Vaccination

PS Muthoni highlighted that regular screening and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most effective strategies for combating cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine, she noted, is specifically designed to prevent the types of HPV that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer.

Scientific studies have shown that the vaccine significantly reduces the prevalence of the disease.

“Parents should ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine to protect them from the leading cause of cervical cancer. For women aged 25-50 years, regular screening is crucial to identify precancerous lesions and address them before they develop into full-blown cancer,” the PS explained.

The Ministry of Health, through Community Health Promoters (CHPs), has already launched an awareness campaign targeting parents to encourage vaccination.

PS Muthoni reassured the public of the vaccine’s safety and urged Kenyans to trust the recommendations of healthcare professionals.

“There is a need for regular screening for early detection so that one can begin treatment at the earliest stage if cancer is detected. Every girl under 15 years should be vaccinated, while women aged 25-50 years should prioritize regular screenings,” she said.

The Role of Churches in Advocacy

In a collaborative effort, religious institutions have also been enlisted to support cervical cancer awareness. Kirinyaga Diocese ACK Bishop Joseph Kibucwa pledged to rally churches in the fight against cervical cancer.

“Early detection will significantly ease the burden of treatment costs for cancer patients. We will partner with the government to create awareness throughout this month in all churches,” Bishop Kibucwa stated.

He encouraged women to take advantage of the screening services and urged parents to vaccinate their daughters against HPV.

Access to Health Services

Addressing concerns about healthcare accessibility, PS Muthoni assured Kenyans that the Social Health Authority is actively working to ensure no one is excluded from accessing vital health services.

This assurance aligns with the government’s broader commitment to achieving universal health coverage.

The Path Forward

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in Kenya, yet it is highly preventable through vaccination and early screening.

According to the Ministry of Health, leveraging platforms like churches and community health initiatives will be instrumental in reaching more Kenyans and achieving better health outcomes.

As January continues, the Ministry encourages all Kenyans to embrace the call to action, ensuring that cervical cancer prevention becomes a shared priority across families and communities.


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