Kenya marks first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day

KENYA, November 17, 2025—On Monday, Kenya joined the world in marking the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day with a renewed call for action on HPV vaccination, screening and early treatment.

The day, themed “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer,” comes as the Ministry of Health intensifies prevention efforts, including the shift to a single-dose HPV vaccine for 10-year-old girls, a move endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To mark the global event, the Kilele Health Association partnered with Ultra Runners Kenya and Arch Treks Safaris to stage a symbolic endurance challenge on Mt. Kenya. Ten athletes attempted to summit Point Lenana within 10 hours, honouring the 10 women Kenya loses to cervical cancer every day.

The run also launched a month-long national awareness and fundraising campaign encouraging Kenyans to take at least one preventive action — from promoting HPV vaccination to supporting women undergoing treatment.

Kilele Health Executive Director Benda Kithaka urged sustained public and media engagement, saying cervical cancer remains preventable and treatable when detected early. “We must keep this conversation alive and encourage our people to act now,” she said.

The organisation will next week unveil the ACHA ASPIRE Scorecard, an accountability tool to track progress in vaccination, screening, treatment and financing across Africa. The scorecard will be piloted in 12 countries starting next year.

Ultra Runners Kenya race director Nyaruai Muhoro said each runner dedicated the Mt. Kenya summit attempt to a woman affected by the disease. She noted that the partnership has helped take cancer awareness to underserved communities.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, Kenya records an estimated 5,845 new cervical cancer cases and 3,591 deaths every year, making it one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women.

Kilele Health has this year led nationwide advocacy activities involving survivors and caregivers, including mountain hikes and community outreach, as part of its “summitting for awareness” campaign now in its fifth year.