Kenya has taken a major step in the fight against cervical cancer following the official launch of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale presided over the National Symposium held during Kenya Cancer Awareness Month, bringing together women leaders, health professionals, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organisations to review progress and accelerate action against one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

The symposium was held under the theme Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: Strong Systems and Community Action for Every Girl and Every Woman and focused on strengthening prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment efforts nationwide.

The newly launched action plan is fully costed, results-oriented, and aligned with the global targets of vaccinating ninety per cent of girls against HPV, screening seventy per cent of women, and ensuring ninety per cent of those diagnosed receive timely treatment. These targets are in line with the World Health Organisation’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

The plan prioritises HPV vaccination, early and equitable screening, prompt treatment, and long-term follow-up, with a strong emphasis on reaching women and girls in all regions of the country.

In his keynote address, CS Duale highlighted key policy and programme reforms, including Kenya’s transition to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, expansion of HPV DNA testing, and the introduction of self-sampling to increase screening uptake. He also noted the deployment of digital health innovations to expand access to services across all forty seven counties.

The Cabinet Secretary underscored ongoing government investments aimed at strengthening referral systems, expanding cancer treatment infrastructure, building a skilled health workforce, and advancing health financing reforms under the Social Health Authority. He said these efforts are intended to make cancer care accessible, affordable, and equitable for all Kenyans.

He further announced the rollout of mandatory service charters across all public and private health facilities to clearly display government-supported services. The move is expected to enhance transparency, curb overcharging, and protect patients’ rights.

Powerful testimonies from cervical cancer survivors, alongside strong multi-sectoral participation, reinforced a shared national commitment to end preventable deaths caused by cervical cancer.

The event was attended by senior health leaders, including Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, National Cancer Institute of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Elias Melly, Ministry of Health Director of Family Health Issak Bashir, and Head of the Cancer Division Gladwell Gathecha, among others.

(Source: The Ministry of Health)