In Kenya's arid and semi-arid (ASAL) regions, cultural barriers exacerbate the challenge. Dr Mugambi highlighted the need for targeted research and community engagement in these areas. She also stressed the importance of including boys in vaccination programs.
"When boys are vaccinated, it reduces the spread of HPV, ultimately protecting everyone, including girls. This strategy could be vital for long-term cervical cancer control," she noted.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, claiming an estimated 350,000 lives globally in 2022.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022, 94 per cent of which occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
High rates in sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia stem from limited access to vaccination, screening, and treatment, alongside factors like HIV prevalence and poverty. Women with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer, contributing to 5 per cent of cases.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection, is the leading cause of cervical cancer. While most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system, persistent high-risk infections can lead to cancer. Six globally available HPV vaccines, which protect against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, are highly effective.
WHO recommends vaccinating girls aged 9-14 before sexual activity, with boys also included in some programs to reduce HPV prevalence.
Preventive measures include vaccination, avoiding smoking, using condoms, and voluntary male circumcision. Regular cervical cancer screening is critical; as precancerous changes often show no symptoms.
WHO advises screening every 5-10 years from age 30, or every three years from age 25 for women with HIV. A global strategy emphasizes two lifetime screenings by ages 35 and 45, combined with vaccination, to significantly reduce cervical cancer deaths.
This January, as part of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Kagonga and her organization are organizing a major awareness event at Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital - KMHFR in Kariobangi-the very community where she once faced stigma.
"We are more than 300 cervical cancer survivors," she says. "I want to make sure Kariobangi becomes 100 per cent stigma-free."
While acknowledging government efforts to make the HPV vaccine freely available in public facilities, Kagonga advocates for greater involvement of cancer survivors in awareness campaigns. "When survivors share their stories, show their photos, and talk about their journey, people understand better," she insists.