This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
Garissa County has launched a campaign to promote the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer among women.
The campaign, which kicked off with a stakeholders meeting, aims to gain support for the roll-out of the vaccine among young girls aged 10.
Deputy Director in charge of Preventive and Promotion Services, Ibrahim Gedi, said the vaccine is currently available at private facilities at a fee, but is now also available at major government-owned facilities for free.
"I want to appeal to area residents who want their daughters vaccinated to visit our public institutions where the jab is administered for free," Gedi said.
The health official acknowledged that resistance against vaccines is mainly caused by myths surrounding immunization and urged religious leaders to take a leading role in sensitizing the public on the comprehensive prevention of cervical cancer.
According to Gedi, the vaccine is safe and has been tested by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), which has given it a nod of approval.
As of now, 78% of all children under 5 in the county have received the polio jab, and Gedi believes that with a sustained campaign and the support of the county leadership, the same can be achieved in the cervical cancer immunization program.
