Integrated Cancer Research Foundation – Kenya

Research Project

Impact of COVID-19 on HPV vaccine intake in Kenya

Overview

Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women in Kenya and the leading cause of mortality in the same group. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by infection with different types of human papillomavirus (HPV), with the most prevalent being HPV16 and HPV 18. Latest data from 2023 show that Kenya has an annual incidence of 5236 cervical cancer cases, with a mortality of 3211 patients. To lower the burden of cervical cancer, the Government of Kenya introduced HPV vaccination in late 2019 using a blend between community, facility, and school-based strategies. The vaccination targeted school-going girls aged 10-14 who are not yet sexually active and, therefore, unlikely to have HPV infection.

In 2020, the COVID pandemic halted this vaccination process, as most schools were shut down to curb the spread of the coronavirus. However, no information documenting how the pandemic affected the HPV vaccination programs. As a pilot study, we will conduct quantitative and qualitative interviews with stakeholders in Mumias West Sub-County as proof of concept.

Lead Researcher: Victor Oria, PhD

Funding period: 01.08.2022 to 31.07.2023

Source of funding: Internal

Grant number: N/A

Collaborators: N/A

Research Team:

  • Hudson Alakonya 
  • Elliot Abbott
  • Irini Skaripa 
  • Victor Ouna 
  • Wycliffe Agutu