By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenya is intensifying efforts to combat cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the country.
With 5,845 new cases and 3,591 deaths reported annually, the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling this public health challenge through strengthened vaccination programs, early detection, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
Speaking at the launch of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (NCCAM) 2025, Director General of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, emphasized the government’s strategic approach under the National Immunization and Vaccine Program (NVIP) and the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP).
A key milestone in this fight is the adoption of a single-dose HPV vaccination regimen, which provides effective protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
The Ministry of Health is urging parents and caregivers to ensure that all eligible girls aged 10 to 15 years receive the HPV vaccine.
The transition to a one-dose schedule aligns with global recommendations, making vaccination more accessible and efficient.
“Early detection and vaccination are life-saving interventions,” he stated.We must work together to ensure that women have access to these critical services,” Dr Amoth stated.
Dr. Amoth called on healthcare professionals, media, and community leaders to play a proactive role in raising awareness and debunking myths surrounding cervical cancer.
Despite significant progress, barriers such as misinformation and limited access to healthcare services in remote areas continue to hinder efforts.
The Ministry, however, remains committed to closing these gaps through targeted outreach programs, mobile screening units, and digital health education campaigns.
With sustained collaboration from government agencies, healthcare professionals, civil society, and international partners, Kenya aims to drastically reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths in the coming years.
The Ministry’s renewed focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment marks a major step towards safeguarding women’s health and achieving long-term progress in the fight against cervical cancer.