The silent killer we can stop: Why Kenya must prioritise HPV vaccine

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death among women globally, yet it is entirely preventable. In Kenya, the statistics are particularly stark. Data from the HPV Information Centre show that in 2020 alone, approximately 3,211 women died from cervical cancer. The disease ranks as the leading cause of cancer deaths among Kenyan women and is the second most common cancer affecting women aged 15 to 44. In the long term, widespread HPV vaccination will play a crucial role in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in Kenya. By rallying support from all key stakeholders: healthcare workers, educators, parents, and policymakers, we can protect our girls and secure a future free from this preventable disease, writes Dr Khadija Warfa, consultant gynaecologist oncologist and assistant professor at Aga Khan University’s Medical College.