Through our NGO – Winds of Change (WoC) -, we have partnered with the Health Yetu Foundation to launch a crucial Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign across Laisamis Constituency, Marsabit County.
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Kenya. According to the Ministry of Health, thousands of women are diagnosed each year, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures like HPV vaccination. The Ministry of Health aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer through increased screening and vaccination programs, and our campaign directly supports these national goals.
This initiative aims to combat cervical cancer by raising awareness and providing life-saving vaccinations to young girls across the region. The campaign also aims to educate young girls about HPV and cervical cancer risks, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. A key priority is vaccinating girls under eight and raising awareness among community caretakers about HPV, cervical cancer, and the vaccination campaign.
Sensitization and community engagement
The campaign has employed a comprehensive approach that combines direct vaccination efforts with ongoing sensitisation sessions led by the team at Health Yetu Foundation, local health centres, churches, nurses, and our Community Liaison Team. These sessions are vital for disseminating accurate information about HPV and the benefits of vaccination, empowering communities to make informed decisions about their health.
The first activity was a sensitisation workshop on March 7, 2025, that was held at the LTWP village. The session brought together key stakeholders to discuss HPV vaccination and address any misconceptions. The workshop was attended by 52 participants, including chiefs, headteachers, and priests from Loiyangalani Sub-county. Present during the session were Health Yetu Foundation that had three members to coordinate the camp alongside Ministry of Health (MoH) officials from Samburu and Marsabit Counties, the Naret Organization, the Catholic Church, Winds of Change/LTWP and MP Shah Hospital. They will all work together to establish a dedicated HPV team focused on screening, counselling, and vaccinating.
South Horr Primary School
Awareness raising for the vaccinations in South Horr was completed in February, primarily led by the sisters and medical workers working at South Horr Catholic Health Centre, as well as local priests during church services.
In preparation for the campaign, the school administration was educated about the importance, efficacy, and safety of the HPV vaccine. Flyers with information, consent forms, and registration cards were distributed to the school in advance.
South Horr Primary School was chosen because it is the largest in the region. This initiative involved nurses from local institutions educating the students and teachers about HPV and cervical cancer.
During the drive, a total of 161 girls were successfully vaccinated. Our campaign envisages further HPV vaccinations throughout the remainder of the year, as well as a workshop in June targeting Laisamis Sub- County stakeholders.
