Religious leaders call for male involvement in health matters affecting women
The members of the clergy among them Rev Boniface Lokuruka, Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya and Bishop David Nakain of AIC have proposed practical strategies in which key messages on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination would be disseminated to congregants via post–church mass sessions, groups fellowships and church outreaches and crusades.
They were speaking in response to calls by health experts who urged them to take a leading role in spreading the message of regular screening and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination as one of the measures to prevent cervical cancer.
The sensitization meeting for religious leaders organized by the County Department of Health and USAID Imarisha Jamii was part of the ongoing activities leading to World Cancer Day marked every February 4.
Speaking during the meeting, the Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Bonventure Ameyo appealed to religious leaders to preach this information to help save women’s lives.
In his remarks, Ameyo reminded participants that January was dedicated to spreading awareness of Cervical Cancer and by extension HPV Vaccination. Ameyo invited the members to participate in the World Cancer Day scheduled on February 4.
According to the County Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator (NCDs), Samuel Lokemer, religious leaders have a golden opportunity to educate and inform the public on various diseases and public health concerns including HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening.
Roy Meoly of USAID Imarisha Jamii assured the religious leaders of Imarisha Jamii’s support in disseminating information on health matters.
Also present in the meeting held in Lodwar, were partner representatives from World Vision Kenya and the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar.
