Kenya Launches National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030Nairobi, January 15, 2026

Kenya has taken a major step in the fight against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, with the official launch of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale presided over the launch during a two-day National Symposium held as part of Kenya Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: Strong Systems and Community Action for Every Girl and Every Woman.” The symposium brought together women leaders, health professionals, policymakers, development partners, and civil society organizations to review progress and chart the way forward in prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The newly launched, costed, and results-oriented Action Plan aims to achieve 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 diagnosed cases receive timely treatment. Key priorities include HPV vaccination, early and equitable screening, prompt treatment, and long-term follow-up, aligned with the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

In his keynote address, CS Duale highlighted several policy and programmatic reforms, including Kenya’s transition to a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule, expansion of HPV DNA testing, the introduction of self-sampling to increase screening uptake, and the deployment of digital health innovations to extend services to women across all 47 counties.

He also announced 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 to ensure cancer care is accessible, affordable, and equitable. Additionally, mandatory service charters will be rolled out across all public and private health facilities to promote transparency, curb overcharging, and protect patients’ rights.

The event featured powerful testimonies from cervical cancer survivors, highlighting the human impact of the disease and reinforcing a shared national resolve to eliminate preventable deaths.

Senior health leaders in attendance included the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, CEO of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya Elias Melly, Director of Family Health Issak Bashir, and Head of the Cancer Division Gladwell Gathecha, among others.

The launch marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s health sector, signalling renewed commitment to safeguarding women’s health and accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer in the country.