Govt eyes HPV vaccination for boys amid low second-dose uptake among girls
PS Ouma Oluga said vaccinating boys could become an important part of the country's long-term disease prevention strategy, although the current programme remains focused on girls.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is contemplating extending the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program to include boys, as Kenya intensifies its efforts to curb cervical cancer and other HPV-related illnesses. Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga stated that vaccinating boys may become a crucial component of the nation's long-term disease prevention approach, even though the present program is primarily directed at girls.
This consideration arises from worries surrounding the low completion rates for the HPV vaccine among girls, with the latest Kenya Mini Demographic and Health Survey revealing that merely 20 percent had received the prescribed second dose. The survey indicated that 59 percent of girls had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, a notable rise from 30 percent in the 2022 survey.
However, the substantial decline between first-dose and second-dose coverage raises concerns about Kenya's capacity to ensure that more girls complete the recommended vaccination regimen. Oluga admitted that additional measures are required to bolster HPV vaccination and broaden protection against the virus among young individuals.
He mentioned that the government could potentially extend the program to boys in the future, viewing it as a critical area for further consideration. "Perhaps in the future, we will also think about vaccinating boys," Oluga remarked. The PS also emphasized the impact of cervical cancer in Kenya, noting that the disease affects around 7,000 women annually.
Cervical cancer primarily results from persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, a virus commonly transmitted through sexual contact. Vaccination against HPV before exposure to the virus provides the most robust protection against infection and associated diseases. While HPV vaccination initiatives have historically focused on girls due to the vaccine's role in preventing cervical cancer, vaccinating boys can also help curb transmission and safeguard them from other HPV-related ailments, including certain cancers.
The latest survey data indicates that Kenya has made strides in boosting access to the first HPV vaccine dose, with coverage increasing from 30 percent in 2022 to 59 percent. Nevertheless, the fact that only 20 percent of girls have received the second dose underscores ongoing challenges in follow-up, public awareness, and access to vaccination services.
Expanding the program to boys would necessitate additional planning and resources, with the government yet to disclose a timeline for the proposed measure. Oluga's comments, therefore, hint at a potential future policy direction rather than an immediate alteration to the national HPV vaccination program.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
