A team of researchers at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is championing self-sample collection for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing, in an effort to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening. To kick-off this research, the group, led by its Principal Investigator (PI)-Dr. Gregory Sakwa, on Tuesday, 25th February, 2025, conducted an introductory meeting for the project’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which took place at Keikei Homestay-Kakamega. The project, funded by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), is titled ‘Co-Designing a Culturally Acceptable Strategy to Optimize Uptake of HPV Self-Sample Collection to Increase Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment for Women in Kenya (SELHP)’.
“This project’s Community Advisory Committee consists of opinion leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, previously screened and unscreened women, as well as local administrators,” said Dr. Sakwa during his presentation at the meeting. According to the PI, one of the main objectives of the project is to design a self-sampling for HPV testing strategy that is culturally acceptable, in order to increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening. “We are targeting women between the ages of 25 and 49, encouraging them to harvest samples by themselves from the birth canal for HPV testing. Cervical cancer screening enables early detection of precancerous cells, which can be treated before advancing, and this committee will help us reach as many people as possible in the community,” added Dr. Sakwa. Notably, other members of the research project are; Prof. Peter Bukhala (Co-PI, MMUST), Dr. Zachary Kwena (Co-PI, KEMRI) and Ms. Helen Odeny (Co-PI, County Government of Kakamega).
Dr. Gregory Sakwa gives a presentation during the introductory meeting.
While giving an overview of the cervical cancer preventive activities in Kakamega County, the Sub-County Reproductive Health (RH) Coordinator-Ms. Esther Mboya, pointed out that the Ministry of Health has been advocating for women to go for cervical cancer screening through various initiatives. “We have been working with the community as we want everyone to be included in this exercise. Aside from treating cervical cancer, the Ministry educates people on how to prevent it, and this comprises enlightening them as to the importance of HPV vaccination,” stated Ms. Mboya.
The objectives of the CAC as highlighted during the meeting include; providing advice on the study design, helping with the recruitment strategies, facilitating community trust as well as assisting with the dissemination of findings. Currently, the committee is made up of Bishop Nicholas Olumasai (Religious Leader), Ms. Esther Mboya (Healthcare Professional), Mr. Erick Wendo (Research Administrator), Ms. Annette Alusa (Woman representative), Ms. Agnes Wairimu (Educator), Mr. Jason Lubanga (Local Administrator), Mr. Ali Wanga (Community Health Promoter), Ms. Grace Jumba (Healthcare Professional) and Ms. Jocelyn Makori (Community Health Extension Worker).
The Sub-County Reproductive Health Coordinator, Ms. Esther Mboya, speaks at the meeting.
The study will be carried out in Kakamega County due to its high prevalence of risk factors among women, and low cervical cancer screening rate. Indeed, this project is off to a great start and will without doubt increase women's participation in cervical cancer screening not just in the western region of Kenya, but the entire country.
