West Pokot County First Lady, Scovia Chebet Kachapin, has urged Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to intensify efforts in raising awareness and increasing uptake of the HPV vaccine, a key tool in the fight against cervical cancer.
Speaking at Kalya Hotel in Kapenguria during a one-day HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Workshop organised by Keprecon and CEBa, the First Lady emphasised the urgent need to protect young girls and women from a disease that is both preventable and deadly.
“We cannot continue losing our mothers, sisters, and daughters to a disease we can prevent. Early screening and the HPV vaccine save lives,” she said.
“I urge our CHPs to lead awareness campaigns in every village so that more girls are protected.”
Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Kenya, despite the availability of vaccines and screening tools. The First Lady expressed concern over the persistent misinformation surrounding the HPV vaccine, which she said has led to fear and hesitancy in many communities.
“We must break the myths and fears around this vaccine. The more we talk about it in homes, schools, markets, and churches, the more lives we save,” she added.
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The workshop brought together CHPs from across the county, along with representatives from the County Health Management Team, vaccination and public health units, child protection officers, elders, religious leaders, and officials from the County Commissioner’s office.
Praising the dedication of CHPs, the First Lady described them as: “The heartbeat of health at the grassroots,” and challenged them to take the lead in reducing preventable cervical cancer deaths across the county.
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“Cervical cancer is an issue we want to tackle together. Cancer has become so rampant that if you’re not infected, you’re affected by it,” Parklea said.
Mnagei Ward MCA and Chair of the County Assembly Health Committee, Hon. Richard Todosia, called on communities to embrace prevention and utilize all available platforms to promote vaccine access.
“It’s time we prioritise prevention. Let’s use every available platform to scale up these interventions and save lives,” he urged.
The sensitisation event is part of a broader county strategy to improve HPV vaccine coverage and reduce cervical cancer mortality, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The County Health Department, in partnership with local and international organisations, is committed to scaling up community education and vaccine delivery as part of West Pokot’s wider public health agenda.
By Kimutai Langat
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