Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has urged residents to take advantage of the free Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine available in all public health facilities in the county.
Joho made the remarks on Friday after President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the free vaccination exercise at Ziwani Primary School in Mvita Sub-County, adding that the exercise will target 800,000 women.
"Joined His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta at the national launch of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine launch at Ziwani Primary School in Mvita Sub-county. The vaccine targets 800,000 women," Joho tweeted.
"I urge the residents of Mombasa to take advantage of the ongoing free vaccination exercise and the quarterly free screening clinics offered in our public health facilities across the county," he added.
The county boss further noted that cancer of the cervix is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Kenya, adding that the vaccine will boost the fight against cancer in the country.
Medical News Today notes that HPV can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Additionally, it can be transmitted during birth to an infant leading to infections on the genitals and respiratory systems. This virus has been associated with some types of cancer and genital warts making it a killer infection.