Cervical cancer continues to pose a significant public health challenge for women in Kenya, despite its largely preventable nature.
GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates indicate that the country reports approximately 5,845 new cervical cancer cases and 3,591 deaths annually.
This disease ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in women, underscoring persistent deficiencies in prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.
The urgency of addressing this issue was emphasized by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, which utilized January’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to advocate for immediate action.
“Cervical cancer is preventable. However, Kenya records 5,845 new cases and 3,591 deaths each year. This January, prioritize screening and encourage another woman to participate,” the board stated on X on January 16, 2026.
National Plan Aims for Elimination by 2030
In response to this pressing issue, Kenya has initiated the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan for 2026–2030, representing a significant advancement in the nation’s efforts against the disease. The plan was officially launched on Thursday, January 15, 2026, during a national symposium themed “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: Strong Systems and Community Action for Every Girl and Every Woman.”
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led the launch, which convened health professionals, policymakers, development partners, civil society organizations, and cervical cancer survivors.
This action plan offers a costed, results-oriented roadmap that aligns with the World Health Organization’s 90–70–90 targets aimed at eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.
“The Ministry of Health has today introduced the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Plan (2026–2030), a comprehensive, costed roadmap aligned with the World Health Organization’s 90–70–90 targets aimed at eradicating one of the country’s most preventable yet lethal cancers,” the launch statement articulated.
Emphasis on Vaccination, Screening, and Treatment
The WHO targets aim to vaccinate 90 percent of girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) by the age of 15, screen 70 percent of women using high-precision tests, and ensure that 90 percent of those diagnosed with cervical disease receive timely treatment and care. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types primarily causes cervical cancer.
Health Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni asserted that the plan emphasizes prevention, early detection, and access to care. “The plan prioritizes free HPV vaccination for girls aged 10–14 years, expanded HPV DNA-based screening for women, and timely treatment guarantees for all diagnosed individuals,” the statement detailed.
Implementation will rely on enhanced primary healthcare services across all 47 counties, financial protection through the Social Health Authority, and collaboration among national and county governments, development partners, civil society, and communities.
Key reforms include transitioning to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, expanding HPV DNA testing, introducing self-sampling methods, and leveraging digital health innovations to reach a broader population of women.
