By Dorothy Musyoka
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today presided over the National Cervical Cancer Symposium and officially launched Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030.
The two-day symposium, held during Kenya Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: Strong Systems and Community Action for Every Girl and Every Woman,” convened women leaders, health professionals, policymakers, development partners and civil society organisations.
Participants reviewed national progress and identified priority actions to accelerate prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
The plan prioritises HPV vaccination, early and equitable screening, prompt treatment and long-term follow-up, in line with the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.
In his keynote address, CS Duale outlined key policy and programmatic reforms being implemented to strengthen cervical cancer control.
“The newly launched, costed and results-oriented Action Plan is designed to drive progress towards the global 90–70–90 targets—vaccinating 90 per cent of girls against HPV, screening 70 per cent of women, and ensuring 90 per cent of those diagnosed receive timely treatment. The plan prioritises HPV vaccination, early and equitable screening, prompt treatment and long-term follow-up, in line with the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat,” stated CS Duale.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted sustained Government investments to strengthen referral systems, expand cancer treatment infrastructure, build a skilled health workforce, and advance health financing reforms under the Social Health Authority, aimed at making cancer care more accessible, affordable and equitable.
Further, CS Duale announced the rollout of mandatory service charters across all public and private health facilities to clearly display government-supported services. This initiative is intended to promote transparency, curb overcharging and safeguard patients’ rights.
The symposium was attended by senior health sector leaders, including the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, National Cancer Institute of Kenya CEO Elias Melly, Director of Family Health Issak Bashir, Head of the Cancer Division Gladwell Gathecha, and other key stakeholders.