September 18, 2025 - In a powerful effort to raise awareness and promote early screening for cervical cancer in Kenya, Cerba Lancet Kenya, Fashion on the Road, and Oxygene Marketing & Communications, have joined forces to spotlight the importance of early detection, regular screening, and accessible health services for cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among Kenyan women after breast cancer.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022 statistics, there are 5,845 new cases and 3,591 fatalities annually in Kenya. This contributes to approximately 12% of all cancer cases diagnosed in Kenya. The spread of the disease has been exacerbated by late diagnosis due to lack of information and access to testing facilities, among other factors such as misinformation which has led to low vaccination rates.

Cerba Lancet Kenya CEO, Ms. Mwende Musunga, said: “The partnership we are unveiling is a commitment to delivering diagnostic excellence and promoting a culture of prevention. By fusing fashion and health education, Fashion on the Road is creating an engaging and inclusive platform that reaches women where they are.”

This is in line with the Ministry of Health and World Health guidelines which recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) testing due to the ability to detect abnormal cells more effectively than the traditional methods of screening.

In the partnership, Cerba Lancet Kenya will spearhead the testing for Human papillomavirus (HPV), by distributing shared-value kits that will include a testing kit and well-knitted table clothes with the guidance of Fashion on the Road organisation which works to empower women from marginalized communities.

Carole Kinoti, the founder of Fashion on the Road, while expressing her passion for using fashion as a force for good, said: “Fashion has always been about expression and transformation. With ‘Fashion on the Road,’ we are expressing a powerful message that women’s lives matter. This collaboration with Cerba Lancet Kenya allows us to dress the streets with purpose and walk the talk in the fight against cervical cancer.”

The Fashion on the Road caravan will tour various counties in Kenya, featuring fashion showcases, survivor testimonies, educational sessions, and mobile health screening services. It is a unique fusion of creativity and care that brings healthcare closer to women, especially those in underserved regions.

The roadshow will feature healthcare experts and survivors who will share stories of resilience and raise awareness in a relatable, dignified manner in collaboration with corporates, community health organisations, county governments, and women-led groups.

Oxygene Marketing & Communications will lead the campaign’s public engagement and media amplification, ensuring the message reaches women across Kenya through integrated communication platforms. “We are proud to support this partnership that combines purpose, health, and creativity to protect and uplift women. Through our dedicated team of communication professionals, we are keen on bridging the message and the masses to ensure that the relevant information reaches everyone, said Nick Wachira, Managing Director of Oxygene Marketing.”

The collaboration will be used as a powerful storytelling and mobilisation tool aimed at highlighting the importance of screening and prevention of cervical cancer in Kenya.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern, with over 3,200 women dying annually in Kenya due to late diagnosis and limited awareness. Through this initiative, Cerba Lancet will offer subsidised cervical cancer screenings, HPV vaccination education, and connect participants to healthcare facilities for further personalised care.