WASH-HPV: The role of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene on HPV infection among women in Kenya

Duration

2 years

Lead institutions

Universiteit Antwerpen

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology

Academic partners

Ivy Akinyi

Project status

Ongoing

Programme

Total budget

68,992.00

Summary

Persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of nearly all cases of cervical cancer. The burden of cervical cancer in Kenya remains significant with an estimated 3250 deaths annually. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for women in prevention and reduction of HPV infection. Yet, in Kenya, according to the WHO UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), only 38% of households have basic hygienic conditions. Access to drinking water and sanitation are preconditions to create hygienic conditions. Despite the importance of hygiene in reducing HPV infection, the connection between HPV infection and the access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is underexplored. In the WASH-HPV project, we will simultaneously research the HPV infection, WASH facilities and drinking water quality in a household. The findings will inform interventions to better integrate WASH in the prevention of HPV infection.