This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Dr. Jane Wakahe, a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist based in Nairobi, has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of cervical cancer on women in Africa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Africa, accounting for 22% of all female cancers and 12% of newly diagnosed cancers yearly.
Dr. Wakahe notes that in Kenya, 8 women die of cervical cancer every day, and 5,250 new cases were diagnosed last year.
She attributes this alarming rate to a lack of preventive health education, medical insurance for screening, and stereotypes that prevent women from seeking help early.
Dr. Wakahe emphasizes that cervical cancer is preventable and, if diagnosed early, curable.
She advocates for the introduction of free HPV vaccines for girls from nine years old, as well as universal health coverage to ensure all health facilities are properly equipped with infrastructure and manpower.
Dr. Wakahe also stresses the importance of creating awareness and demystifying cervical cancer through education and social settings.
She concludes that it is time for Kenya to invest in preventive medicine for both men and women.
"It is time Kenya invested in preventive medicine for both men and women," Dr. Wakahe says.
