Let’s discover how efforts in Kenya are helping to save lives by fighting papillomavirus-related cancers.
In some parts of East Africa, many girls and women are affected by serious illnesses called cancers. These diseases are caused by small viruses called papillomavirus. These viruses can make people very sick, especially if they already have HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and if they haven’t been vaccinated.
But thankfully, in Kenya, people are trying to protect women from these diseases. For example, Philis, a 43-year-old woman, found out she had cancer. It was very scary for her, but she got help to treat it.
Cervical cancer is one of these cancers. It is quite common in Kenya and can be very dangerous if not treated in time. But Philis was lucky. She had tests and treatment that helped her feel better.
Papillomaviruses can also be prevented from making people sick with a vaccine. Authorities are trying to vaccinate as many girls as possible to protect them from these viruses.
There is still a lot of work to be done to help women stay healthy. But with the help of doctors, associations, and governments, we hope to be able to protect more girls and women from these serious illnesses.
