As we come to the end of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this January, it is imperative to shine a spotlight on the persistent challenges surrounding cervical cancer in Kenya.

Despite ongoing efforts by health experts to raise awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination, the reality remains grim, with cervical cancer standing as the deadliest cancer among women in the country, claiming the lives of more than 3,200 women annually.

Kenya took a significant step in the right direction by introducing the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization schedule in 2019, targeting all 10-year-old girls.

However, the uptake of the vaccine has fallen below the target, with only 56 percent of the eligible population receiving the first jab by 2023. Furthermore, a mere 28 percent had received the crucial second jab, as recommended for optimal protection.

This suboptimal vaccine uptake can be attributed to various misconceptions held by parents. Shockingly, some parents wrongly believe that the HPV vaccine may encourage promiscuity among young girls.

Additionally, unfounded concerns about the safety of the vaccine persist, despite ample evidence supporting its efficacy and safety. It is crucial to address these misconceptions head-on and provide accurate information to dispel fears surrounding the vaccine.

It is time to dismantle the barriers hindering vaccine uptake and encourage proactive participation in screening programs.

Health education campaigns, community outreach programs, and collaboration between healthcare professionals and community leaders can play pivotal roles in achieving these goals.

With the official Cervical Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, let us collectively commit to breaking the silence and dispelling myths.

We must empower individuals with knowledge, foster a supportive environment for vaccination, and work towards a future where cervical cancer is no longer a pervasive threat to women’s health in Kenya.