This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On October 18, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched a vaccination campaign to combat cervical cancer in Kenya.
The campaign targets girls aged 10 years across the country, with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be administered in all health centres, including public, private, faith-based, and non-governmental organization facilities.
Speaking at the launch event in Mombasa, President Kenyatta emphasized the importance of the vaccination program, stating, "The vaccine will be available to girls in all Public Health Facilities, as well as Private, Faith Based and Non-Governmental Organization health facilities."
The President also highlighted the government's efforts to combat cervical cancer, including legal reforms, provision of screening and cancer care health services, and increased investments in cancer research, diagnosis, and management.
He noted that the government has set up radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities in various counties and that the newly completed Kenyatta University Hospital will provide increased access to cancer management through its state-of-the-art cancer services.
President Kenyatta urged political and religious leaders to continue supporting the HPV vaccination program, emphasizing that cancer does not discriminate based on religion or color.
He also advised Kenyans to adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cancer and hypertension.
