LREB First Ladies join in fight against cervical cancer

Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) First ladies on Thursday came together to campaign against cervical cancer and promote mental health to young girls.

Nandi County First Lady Sheila Sang at the event stated that there is a need for early detection and prevention of the disease to ensure it is eliminated globally.

The event took place at Kapkoros Primary School in Bomet County.

"No woman should die of cervical cancer when we have a highly effective HPV vaccine and quality diagnostics," she said.

Sang added that the government and partners need to invest in accelerated access to resilient primary health care that delivers integrated care like routine immunization, and sexual reproductive health.

"The County Government of Nandi is committed to the health of its population by ensuring all eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine, a safe and effective vaccine," she said.

She said that the prerequisites for cervical cancer elimination around the world are funding for health and health equity.

"We must commit robust long-term human resources for adequate and accessible healthcare workers in communities and at the facility level," Sang said.

Sang joined other  First Spouses of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) at the launch of the Word of Mouth Advocacy Network initiative(WOMAN).

Other county's First Ladies present were Lady Seline Barchok(Bomet), Emily Nyaribo(Nyamira), and Betty( Siaya County).

Dorothy Nyong'o (Kisumu), Lilian Natembeya(Trans Nzoia), Agnes Ochilo  (Migori), Emily (Kericho), and Selina Otuoma (Busia).

Kemri estimates that at present, only 33 percent of the targeted population of girls are receiving the first HPV dose, and 16 percent returning for the 2nd dose in Kenya.