Prof. Kassili highlighted cultural beliefs, stigma, limited access to screening facilities, and lack of awareness as significant barriers to achieving the recommended screening coverage. She expressed confidence that the partnership between MMUST and the county government would help address these challenges by promoting a private and convenient self-sampling method, empowering women to take control of their health
By Hilda Atika
Kakamega County First Lady, Prof. Janet Kassili, has pledged to prioritize early Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening as part of efforts to support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
Speaking on Wednesday during the inception meeting of a research project on HPV self-sample collection at a hotel in Kakamega, Prof. Kassili emphasized the importance of increasing screening uptake among women of reproductive age.
The initiative, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI-KENYA) and implemented by Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in collaboration with the Kakamega County Government, aims to develop a culturally sensitive approach to enhance HPV self-sample collection.
“This initiative seeks to increase cervical cancer screening and treatment accessibility for women in Kenya,” she reaffirmed.
Prof. Kassili highlighted cultural beliefs, stigma, limited access to screening facilities, and lack of awareness as significant barriers to achieving the recommended screening coverage. She expressed confidence that the partnership between MMUST and the county government would help address these challenges by promoting a private and convenient self-sampling method, empowering women to take control of their health.
Citing data from the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS), Prof. Barasa revealed that cervical cancer screening rates remain low, with only 1,845 women screened in 2021, 2,043 in 2023, and 2,032 in 2024.
She urged both men and women to prioritize cancer screening—prostate cancer screening for men and cervical cancer screening for women—while encouraging parents to ensure their daughters aged 9-14 receive the HPV vaccine.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including MMUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Dr Gregory Sakwa, Prof. Francis Orata, Prof. Peter Bukhala, Ms Hellen Odeny, and Dr. Issa Kweyu. Also in attendance were the County Health Management Team (CHMT) led by Acting CECM for Health Ms. Peninah Mukabane, Dr. Barack Otieno (Resource Mobilization and Donor Relations), and other key stakeholders.
