This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
Published on June 30, 2019, an article in the Business Daily highlighted a standoff between the Kenya Catholic Doctors Association (KCDA) and the Health Ministry over the HPV vaccine.
Boaz Otieno-Nyunya, chairman of the Kenya Medical Association's Reproductive Health Standing Committee, has responded to the article, criticizing the KCDA for their stance on the vaccine.
The KCDA reportedly objected to the vaccination of girls against HPV as a preventive measure against cervical cancer, citing concerns that the vaccine would lead to early initiation of sexual activity or risky sexual behavior.
However, Otieno-Nyunya argues that there is no research evidence to support these claims, and that the vaccine is most effective when given before a girl is exposed to the virus.
He also points out that the World Health Organisation recommends that all girls aged above 10 should get two doses of HPV vaccine given six and 12 months apart.
According to Otieno-Nyunya, the KCDA's stance is hypocritical, as they are advocating for abstinence as the only safe and effective method of preventing cervical cancer, while ignoring the fact that many girls will eventually engage in sexual activity.
He concludes that saying chastity is the only effective means of controlling cervical cancer is tantamount to prescribing one method for all women, and that it is never too early to prevent disease.
