Kenya Launches Five-Year National Plan to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Kenya has officially launched its National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan, a five-year strategy aimed at protecting girls and women from cervical cancer, one of the country’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

The ambitious action plan aligns Kenya with the global 90-70-90 targets for 2030, set by the World Health Organization (WHO), to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Under the plan, Kenya seeks to ensure that 90 per cent of girls are fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer.

In addition, the strategy targets screening of 70 per cent of women, enabling early detection of the disease, while 90 per cent of women found with pre-cancerous lesions will receive timely and effective treatment.

Health experts say achieving these targets could significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to prevention and treatment has remained limited.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed Kenya’s commitment, noting that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early.

WHO reaffirmed its readiness to support Kenya and other countries at every stage of implementing elimination strategies.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern across Africa, but coordinated national action plans, combined with vaccination, screening, and treatment, are expected to save thousands of lives in the coming years.

Kenya’s initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing women’s health and strengthening the country’s cancer prevention and control efforts.