๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐งย
๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐จ๐๐ข, ๐๐๐๐๐ - ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ย Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, is urging swift and focused action to address the rising burden of cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country.ย
Speaking at a cervical cancer awareness media briefing in a speech read by Dr Edward Serem onย , Dr. Barasa stressed the need for a shift in the healthcare model, from a curative approach to one that prioritizes prevention. This shift supports the countryโs Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals, focusing on expanding access to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, routine screenings, and timely treatment.ย
She noted that the government is working to integrate cervical cancer prevention into primary healthcare services nationwide. โThe fight against cervical cancer is not just about statistics; itโs about saving lives,โ Dr. Barasa remarked. โWe must take bold steps to ensure every woman and girl has access to the preventive services that will protect them from this deadly disease.โย
The latest GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics reveal that cervical cancer leads to 5,845 new cases and 3,591 deaths each year in the country, highlighting the urgent need for improved preventive care.ย Dr. Barasa also emphasized the essential role of the media in raising awareness. She encouraged journalists to use their platforms to educate the public on the benefits of HPV vaccination and the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings.ย
Additionally, she urged the media to dispel myths surrounding the HPV vaccine and encourage women to seek early detection and treatment. Focusing on prevention, Dr. Barasa underscored the importance of HPV vaccination, particularly for girls aged 10 to 14, as a proven strategy to reduce the future burden of cervical cancer.ย
She also acknowledged the contributions of the STOP Cervical Cancer coalition and praised cancer survivors for their advocacy for early screening and treatment. Dr. Barasa reiterated that the elimination of cervical cancer is achievable and called for a united effort from the government, healthcare providers, media, and the public to turn awareness into tangible actions that can save lives.