Prevent for the Future: Why Vaccines Matter

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This September, the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya, KILELE Health Association, Kenya Childhood Cancer Trust, Hope for Cancer Kids and Kenyan Network of Cancer Organisations join hands with other cancer control organisations globally to raise awareness on vaccine-preventable cancers: such as cervical and liver cancer.

We call upon the government to consider the following measures in eliminating vaccine-preventable cancers:

Key Messages
1. The Ministry of Health and County Governments to embark on a promotion campaign to dispel myths and misinformation on vaccines as a strategy for improving uptake of the HPV vaccine amongst girls aged 10 to 12 years. Emphasis should also be laid on the role of the Hepatitis B vaccine in preventing liver cancer.
2. The Ministry of Health and County Governments to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable vaccination programmes and uptake of vaccines at all levels including school-based programmes.
3. The government to reinforce Media involvement in vaccination programmes especially in dispelling myths and misinformation around HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines. The Media, especially local vernacular radio stations, is a powerful tool for reaching communities with accurate information.