Lillyan Mutua, head of health promotion for Nairobi County, Kenya, is tackling the challenge of increasing HPV vaccine uptake through innovative community engagement. Despite progress in life-course immunization, the HPV vaccine faces significant misconceptions, with many parents fearing it promotes early sexual activity or is a form of contraception. Some religious groups also oppose the vaccine.
To address these challenges, Mutua emphasizes the power of storytelling. She believes that cervical cancer survivors, who have experienced early diagnosis and treatment, can share their powerful stories to emotionally connect with communities and promote understanding of the vaccine’s importance.
In addition to storytelling, Mutua advocates for involving community stakeholders, such as elders, religious leaders, and local administrators, in vaccination efforts. She also stresses the need for social media to spread information and engage the public effectively.
To reach harder-to-reach populations, Mutua explores new avenues such as targeting middle-class workers, religious institutions, and entertainment events, where health messages can be delivered in an engaging way. Additionally, health clubs in schools allow students to carry health messages home, broadening the impact.
Mutua’s efforts reflect a broader push to innovate and adapt vaccination strategies, ensuring that more communities embrace life-saving health services like the HPV vaccine.
