Kenya’s North Eastern region leaders have met in the capital city Nairobi, to deliberate on how best they can advocate for increased uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is low in the region.
The vaccine that targets girls aged 9-14 to shield them from cervical cancer low uptake, below 10 percent has become a concern to both political and religious leaders from the region.
Low uptake of the vaccine which specifically targets girls aged 9 to 14 years – the optimal age before exposure to the virus, in Kenya’s North Eastern region, is attributed to misinformation and Myths.
Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium (Keprecon), the event organisers says by incorporating the influential leaders will help break down the myths and increase the uptake numbers.
Deputy Governor of Mandera County, Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud and First Lady Wajir County, Rukia Abdinasir were the notable figures in the meeting and advocated for the jab.
The session brought together leaders from Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo counties, with strong representation from both the National, County governments and the Religious community.
They identified community engagement, education, and trust-building as possible ways of boosting vaccine acceptance.
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