At just 35 years old, Millicent Kagonga has already entered menopause, a painful outcome of her battle with cervical cancer. Her story underscores the importance of elimination of cervical cancer through early vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer.
“I started experiencing symptoms at 19,” Millicent recalls. “Everyone told me to pray or seek traditional medicine. I did both, but my symptoms persisted, It wasn’t until five years later, after watching a program about cervical cancer on TV, that I realized my symptoms matched the disease.”
However, her journey was far from over, when she sought medical care and shared her suspicions, Millicent was dismissed. “They said I was too young to get cervical cancer and gave me antibiotics,” she said. Only through her persistence did she eventually receive a diagnosis. By then, the disease had already progressed.
“I felt like it was a death sentence. I even contemplated taking my own life and those of my children,” she admits. But treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital gave her a second chance, and today she is advocate an advocate for cervical cancer prevention championing early HPV vaccination and early cervical cancer screening.
A Preventable Tragedy
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet in Kenya, it remains the second most common cancer among women. Currently the burden of cervical cancer is very high as it affects approximately 40 cases per 100,000 women, the burden is far higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of four per 100,000.
According to Dr Joan-Paula Bor,Head of National Cancer Program, cervical cancer is almost 100 per cent preventable.
“Every day we are losing 10 women to cervical cancer in this country, despite it being preventable, we need to increase uptake of screening and ensure women are linked to care through a strengthened referral system. This single-visit approach can save lives.”
Speaking on the HPV vaccine Dr Bor said, ‘HPV vaccines are safe, effective, and can save lives. If we reach the WHO threshold, cervical cancer will no longer be a major public health concern. I invite our partners to work together to achieve the target of 4 cases per 100,000.
The HPV vaccine was introduced in Kenya in 2019, since then the government has worked to ensure access, the vaccine is most effective when administered to girls before exposure to the virus. The virus is spread through sexual intercourse that is why the targeted age is usually 10-14 years old.
Millicent wasted no time ensuring her daughter was vaccinated. “When I heard about the vaccine, I was so happy. I made sure my daughter got it as soon as possible. Starting young is better because I know the pain of going through this disease and I never want my daughter to experience what I have.
The Road to Elimination
Kenya has made significant strides in increasing access to the HPV vaccine, but challenges remain. Cultural misconceptions, limited awareness, and logistical barriers have hindered uptake, especially in rural areas.
Kenya has now made the vaccine accessible at all health facilities, According to MOH at least 3.3 million girls have received the HPV-1 vaccine since 2019 and 2.3 million have received the HPV-2, this number is still below average.
During a media sensitization meeting, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo
Barasa, in a speech delivered by a representative, emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing prevention over cure.
“My Ministry is committed to shifting from a predominantly curative approach to a preventive and promotive healthcare model, in the fight against cervical cancer, this means expanding access to HPV vaccination, routine screening, and timely treatment. By integrating cervical cancer prevention into primary healthcare services, strengthening health systems, and addressing barriers to care, our country is taking bold steps toward the WHO goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.”
“When we vaccinate girls early and increase screening rates for women, we’re not just preventing cervical cancer; we’re saving families from devastating losses,” said Dr. Bor. “This is a journey we can only achieve by working together with all stakeholders.”
“Cervical cancer elimination is within our reach.” The Cs assured. “A healthier future is within reach, and through collective action, we can protect generations of women and girls from this preventable disease.”
Millicent’s story highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely intervention, and the power of prevention. For thousands of Kenyan women early HPV vaccination could have made all the difference.
