VIHIGA COUNTY LAUNCHES SINGLE-DOSE HPV VACCINE TO COMBAT CERVICAL CANCER

The County Government of Vihiga, through the Department of Health Services, has launched the single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine today at Mbale Municipal Grounds in Vihiga Sub-county.

Healthcare workers and residents led by Governor Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo who presided over the event championed the official rollout of the HPV vaccine targeting 10-year-old girls. The vaccine offers protection against HPV infections, which are responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, the second most prevalent cancer among women in Kenya.

In his remarks, Governor Ottichilo encouraged women to undergo regular cervical cancer screening and appealed to parents, guardians, educators, religious leaders, and the broader community to support and promote HPV vaccination to ensure all eligible girls receive the vaccine at the recommended age.

The HPV vaccine will be provided free of charge at all designated immunizing health facilities across the county.

The launch event featured a colourful procession, panel discussions, keynote speeches, and on-site vaccination services, culminating in a cake-cutting ceremony. The event drew the participation of over 500 young girls and was attended by key partners including the Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium – Keprecon, led by Executive Director Professor Fredrick Were, Championing Evidence-based Advocacy for PHC/RMNCAH-N (CEBA), Jumuia Hospitals, and MOMENTUM Country and Global Leadership (MCGL), among others.