Murang’a County is stepping up efforts to improve the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among young girls following a worrying decline in recent years. Health officials are now engaging community leaders, schools, and religious institutions to address myths, misinformation, and hesitancy that have hindered progress in the fight against cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine, which is administered to girls aged between 10 and 14, is crucial in protecting against cervical cancer later in life. However, data shows that only a small proportion of eligible girls in Murang’a received the jab last year. Uptake for the first dose (HPV1) dropped to 18.72 percent, while the second dose (HPV2) recorded 27.43 percent. This represents a steep decline compared to 2023, when uptake was significantly higher at 53 percent for HPV1 and 37.31 percent for HPV2.
In contrast, other childhood immunisations in the county have maintained relatively strong coverage. For instance, the pentavalent vaccine reached 80 percent of children in 2024, while the measles-rubella jab was administered to 76 percent. This contrast highlights the unique barriers facing the HPV campaign, which health experts attribute to misconceptions and parental resistance.
To reverse this trend, village-level opinion leaders and local influencers are being mobilised to reassure parents about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Community meetings are being held to encourage open dialogue, dispel fears, and build trust around immunisation programmes.
Health officials emphasise that the HPV vaccine is safe, globally recommended, and one of the most effective ways of preventing cervical cancer. By ensuring girls receive both doses, Murang’a County hopes to secure long-term protection for future generations of women against one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.
Parents and guardians are being urged to work closely with schools and health facilities to ensure eligible girls are vaccinated. Faith leaders have also been called upon to use their platforms to endorse the campaign, as their influence is considered critical in changing perceptions and encouraging wider acceptance of the vaccine.
The county is optimistic that through collaborative efforts, awareness campaigns, and community-driven strategies, HPV vaccine uptake will rise, ensuring that more girls are protected and progress is made towards reducing the burden of cervical cancer.
