Religious leaders in Lodwar have emphasized the need for deliberate 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 also 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 responding to calls by health experts who urged them to take a leading role in spreading the message on 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 County Department of Health and USAID Imarisha Jamii was part of the ongoing activities leading to the World Cancer Day marked every 4th of February.
Speaking during the meeting, Director of Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. 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 on Cervical Cancer and by extension HPV Vaccination. Ameyo invited the members to participate in the World Cancer Day scheduled on 4th of February.
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 Catholic Diocese of Lodwar.
By Peter Gitonga
