This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
January 10, 2020, marked the launch of the HPV vaccine targeting over 800,000 girls aged 10 years old countrywide, sparking questions about the fuss surrounding HPV and its potential to reduce new cervical cancer cases and protect young women against early deaths.
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern worldwide, ranking as the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer death in women. In Kenya, it is the second most frequent cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, a common virus passed from one person to another during sex. Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, and most infections will clear out without doing any harm.
However, factors such as early sex debut, multiple sexual partners, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and cigarette smoking increase the risk of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine is used to prevent the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers, as well as some cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, and oropharynx. Ideally, the vaccine should be administered to girls and women before they become sexually active and exposed to HPV, with the World Health Organisation recommending vaccination to start at 10 years of age.
While the vaccine does not protect against all types of cervical cancers, regular screening is crucial for women who have received the HPV vaccine. This is because the vaccine does not eliminate the risk of precancerous cells, and regular screening will catch these cells before they become cancer.
Prof Marleen, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aga Khan University Hospital, emphasizes the importance of screening, even for women who have received the HPV vaccine.
