Insights from the 16th KASH Conference

By Dr. May Maloba, Chief Executive Director

At the 16th KASH Conference hosted by KEMRI from 10–13 February 2026, our Chief Executive Director, Dr. May Maloba presented formative findings from a qualitative study focused on strengthening support systems for women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

The presentation, titled “Supporting Women with Cervical Cancer: Formative Results from a Qualitative Study,” highlighted practical, system-level and community-level insights that can shape how we improve care and outcomes for women across Kenya.

Why This Study Matters

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major public health challenge in Kenya:

1. – Only about 10% of women aged 18–69 have ever been screened.

2. – Fewer than 40% of women who receive a positive screening result access appropriate treatment.

Behind these numbers are real barriers — financial, structural, and social — that make it difficult for women to move from screening to diagnosis to treatment.

In highly stigmatized conditions such as HIV, structured support systems (e.g., treatment buddies) have improved adherence, reduced stigma, and strengthened outcomes. However, this model has not yet been formally implemented or evaluated for cervical cancer care in Kenya.

Our study seeks to bridge that gap.

Study Objective: Building Smarter Support Systems

The overall goal of this formative research was to generate pilot data on how best to inform and engage male partners and other key individuals who can support women following a positive cervical cancer screening.

Specific aims included:

1. – Conducting formative interviews to guide development of an eHealth app.

2. – Designing an app to increase cervical cancer health literacy and treatment support.

3. – Conducting focus group discussions (FGDs) to evaluate the app’s utility, acceptability, and compatibility with the needs of women and their treatment supporters.

This work is not theoretical — it is grounded in direct engagement with women navigating the health system today.

Where the Study Was Conducted

The study was implemented in three coastal Kenya hospitals:

1. – Kilifi County Hospital

2. – Mtwapa Sub-County Hospital

3. – Mariakani Sub-County Hospital

Participants included women aged 18–59 who had received a positive cervical cancer screening result since February 2024 and had access to an Android smartphone. Each woman identified a treatment supporter — either a male partner or another trusted family member or friend.

To better understand different support dynamics, the study purposively sampled participants so that:

1. – 50% of treatment supporters were male partners.

1. – 50% were other family members or friends.

This approach allows us to explore how different types of supporters influence care-seeking and adherence.

Key Barriers Identified

The study revealed layered challenges affecting women’s ability to complete diagnostic evaluation and treatment:

1. Financial Barriers

1. – Cost of biopsy

1. – Cost of treatment

1. – Cost of travel

• Insurance enrollment and coverage gaps

Even when screening is accessible, the next steps often carry financial burdens that delay or prevent follow-up care.

2. Health System Barriers

1. – Diagnostic delays

2. – Long clinic waiting times

3. – Complex and time-consuming referral pathways

The pathway from screening to confirmed diagnosis and treatment can be fragmented and discouraging.

3. Social and Relational Barriers

1. – Fear of blame or accusations of unfaithfulness

1. – Abstinence-related tensions

1. – Limited autonomy in health decision-making

1. – Provider-imposed or self-imposed decision constraints

Cervical cancer is often entangled with stigma and misconceptions, affecting how openly women can disclose their diagnosis and seek support.

Designing the Intervention: A Three-Tier Approach

Based on findings, the team proposed a structured intervention framework with three complementary tiers:

1. 1. Individual-Level Support
   Improving women’s understanding of their diagnosis, next steps, and available services.

2. 2. Treatment Supporter Engagement
   Providing clear, culturally sensitive information to male partners and other supporters to reduce stigma, strengthen communication, and encourage shared decision-making.

3. 3. System-Level Navigation Support
   Simplifying referrals, clarifying treatment pathways, and helping women navigate care more efficiently.

The planned eHealth application is designed to respond directly to women’s stated needs — not assumptions. It will prioritize clarity, confidentiality, and actionable information.

What This Means for Cervical Cancer Care in Kenya

This formative research signals a shift from focusing solely on screening coverage to strengthening what happens after a positive result.

Screening without support is not enough.

To improve outcomes, we must:

1. – Address structural and financial barriers.

1. – Normalize disclosure within supportive relationships.

1. – Equip treatment supporters with accurate information.

1. – Leverage digital tools that are accessible and context-appropriate.

By grounding app development in lived experiences, this study lays the foundation for scalable, culturally responsive solutions that can enhance follow-through in cervical cancer care.

Moving Forward

The findings shared at the KASH Conference represent an important step toward integrating structured support models into cervical cancer care in Kenya. As we refine and pilot the eHealth application, continued collaboration with healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers will be essential.

At Global Health Innovations – Kenya, our commitment remains clear: research must translate into practical solutions that improve real-world outcomes.

We look forward to sharing updates as this work progresses.