Kenya Launches Ambitious Five-Year Plan to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has officially launched the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan 2026–2030, signalling a major step forward in the country’s fight against one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

The launch took place during a national symposium held as part of Kenya Cancer Awareness Month.

The plan represents a costed, results-oriented strategy designed to transition cervical cancer from a national crisis to a preventable rarity.

The 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.

According to CS Duale, 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.

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Modernizing the Fight

CS Duale outlined several radical shifts in the country’s medical approach to ensure these targets are met across all 47 counties.

He further underscored ongoing 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 accessible, affordable, and equitable.

“Our goal is to make cancer care accessible, affordable, and equitable,” stated CS Duale. “Through the SHA, we are reforming health financing so that no woman has to choose between her life and her livelihood.”

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The Cabinet Secretary announced the mandatory rollout of service charters in all public and private health facilities.

“The rollout of mandatory service charters across all public and private health facilities to clearly display government-supported services, a move intended to promote transparency, curb overcharging, and protect patients’ rights,” Duale stated.

Powerful testimonies from cervical cancer survivors, alongside broad multi-sectoral participation, reinforced a shared national resolve to end preventable deaths from cervical cancer.

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Health CS Aden Duale speaking during the event. PHOTO/MoH X.