Household sample collection for cervical cancer screening in Vihiga County is set to begin on Monday, February 16, 2026, running through Saturday, February 21, 2026. The rollout follows the successful completion of a 10-day training for healthcare implementers.
The training brought together nurses, clinicians, healthcare workers, and community health promoters (CHPs), equipping them with the necessary skills to conduct the exercise efficiently. The CHPs concluded their intensive training today, ahead of the countywide implementation.
The update was shared by Dorcus Opiayo, technical lead and program officer at the Cancer Cure Organisation, during a meeting with Vihiga Governor Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo at the governor’s boardroom.
Opiayo briefed the governor on milestones achieved since the programme’s launch, noting that mapping for household sample collection has already been completed in Hamisi Sub-County. She urged women aged between 25 and 49 years to take advantage of the free screening services, emphasizing that early detection is crucial in preventing cervical cancer.
The County Government of Vihiga reaffirmed its commitment to improving women’s health following the successful screening programme conducted in partnership with Cure Cervical Cancer. Last year’s rollout in Luanda Sub-County screened 8,790 women, with 2,363 referred for further treatment after testing positive.
Governor Ottichilo praised the collaboration between the county government, CHPs, and Cure Cervical Cancer, describing it as a model partnership for advancing preventive healthcare. He particularly commended the introduction of the self-sampling method, which has addressed previous challenges and significantly increased acceptance among women.
“I am pleased that women undergoing screening are benefiting, with those testing positive accessing treatment and young girls receiving preventive vaccines,” said the Governor. He emphasized the need to extend the programme to Sabatia and Emuhaya sub-counties to ensure equitable access across Vihiga.
The Governor highlighted the importance of institutionalizing the programme to ensure sustainability, even after external partnerships end.
Meanwhile, Cure Cervical Cancer has intensified advocacy efforts, particularly targeting men, following reports of Gender-Based Violence during the initial Luanda phase. Sensitization efforts aim to foster understanding and support for women participating in the screening.
These efforts represent a significant step in strengthening preventive healthcare in Vihiga County, particularly as the planting season approaches, when many families are preoccupied with farm work.
The Government of Kenya recently launched the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030, a five-year strategy developed with support from the World Health Organization to accelerate prevention, early detection, and treatment of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Kenya, with an estimated 5,845 new cases and 3,600 deaths annually. Globally, it is the fourth most common cancer in women, with roughly 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths each year, 90 percent of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Africa accounts for nearly a quarter of global cervical cancer deaths.
Although largely preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and early screening, many women continue to be diagnosed at advanced stages due to gaps in coverage and accessibility.
By Yvonne Misango and Rose Wasike
