The Ministry of Health in Kenya has urged parents to ensure that their daughters aged between 10 and 15 receive the cervical cancer vaccine. This comes as part of a renewed effort to combat cervical cancer, a disease that claims thousands of lives annually. With increasing cases and deaths linked to cervical cancer, the government is intensifying prevention measures through vaccination and awareness campaigns.
According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 report, Kenya records approximately 5,845 new cases of cervical cancer annually, with 3,591 deaths attributed to the disease. These statistics make cervical cancer a major public health concern, necessitating immediate action to reduce its impact.
Speaking at a press briefing at Afya House, Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth emphasized the importance of early intervention, particularly vaccination, in the fight against cervical cancer. He called upon healthcare professionals, parents, and the media to play a proactive role in spreading awareness and addressing myths surrounding the disease.
“Early detection and vaccination are life-saving interventions,” Dr. Amoth stated. “We must work together to ensure that women have access to these critical services.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that sustained vaccination programs could significantly reduce, and eventually eliminate, cervical cancer over the next few generations.
As part of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (NCCAM) 2025, the Ministry of Health has rolled out a series of initiatives to strengthen awareness, encourage early screening, and increase community engagement. These include:
Nationwide Advocacy Campaigns – Mobilizing communities through education and public outreach to increase vaccine uptake.
Partnerships with Health Organizations – Collaborating with groups like the STOP Cervical Cancer Coalition to strengthen efforts in cancer prevention.
Training for Healthcare Workers – Equipping medical personnel with up-to-date knowledge on cervical cancer detection, prevention, and management.
Dr. Amoth highlighted that the government, through the National Immunization and Vaccine Programme (NVIP) and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), is committed to ensuring the widespread availability of the cervical cancer vaccine. A major step forward is the transition to a single-dose HPV vaccination regimen, which provides effective protection against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.
Despite these efforts, several challenges persist. Among them are misinformation about the vaccine and limited healthcare access in remote areas. Many parents remain hesitant due to misconceptions about the HPV vaccine, while logistical barriers prevent some girls from receiving the necessary dose.
The Ministry of Health is addressing these concerns by strengthening community outreach, ensuring vaccine supply, and providing accurate information about its safety and benefits. Dr. Amoth expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among the government, healthcare providers, and the public will result in a substantial reduction in cervical cancer cases and deaths.
“The ministry’s renewed focus on prevention and early detection underscores Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding women’s health and achieving long-term progress in the fight against cervical cancer,” he said.
The fight against cervical cancer requires collective action. Parents are encouraged to ensure their daughters receive the HPV vaccine at the recommended age. Healthcare workers must continue educating communities, and policymakers should maintain a strong commitment to providing accessible cancer prevention services.
With consistent efforts and community involvement, Kenya can take significant strides toward eliminating cervical cancer and protecting future generations from this preventable disease.
