Kenya has taken a decisive step in the global fight against cervical cancer. From October, the Ministry of Health will roll out a single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a move hailed by experts as both practical and life-saving.

The announcement, made during the Coalition to Strengthen HPV Immunization Community (CHIC) symposium in Nairobi, places Kenya among the first African nations to adopt this simplified approach. The decision follows new research showing that one shot offers lasting protection against HPV—the virus responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases.

“This switch is guided by science,” said Dr Patrick Amoth, the Director-General for Health. “Evidence shows that one dose provides lasting protection. Every vaccine delivered is a life protected, a family spared from grief, and a community strengthened.”

Closing the Gap

Since launching the national HPV vaccination campaign in 2019, Kenya has seen steady progress. Coverage for the first dose among girls aged 10 to 14 has climbed from 24 per cent in 2022 to more than 60 per cent by the end of 2024. The second dose, however, has lagged behind—rising from 17 per cent to just 30 per cent.

The disparity highlights a persistent challenge: ensuring girls complete the full vaccine schedule. Health experts believe the single-dose strategy could bridge that gap by removing barriers such as missed follow-up appointments and logistical hurdles.

Still, regional inequalities remain stark. Counties like Siaya, Nyamira and Kirinyaga report vaccination rates above 45 per cent, while parts of northern Kenya—Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Isiolo and Turkana—trail far behind, some barely reaching two per cent.

“We have made remarkable progress nationally, but the disparities between regions are still too wide,” Dr Amoth said. “Every missed girl is a missed opportunity to prevent cancer.”

Myths, Misconceptions, and Miles Apart

In the country’s arid north, cultural beliefs and misinformation continue to stall progress. Some parents fear the vaccine could affect fertility, while others question why it’s offered to girls before adolescence. Religious concerns have also fuelled suspicion in areas where public awareness campaigns are limited.

Logistics add another layer of difficulty. Reaching remote villages often means navigating long distances on poor roads with few health workers to deliver the vaccines.

A Preventable Tragedy

Cervical cancer remains Kenya’s second most common cancer among women and one of the deadliest. Each year, more than 5,000 women are diagnosed, and over 3,200 die—around 10 deaths every day. Without stronger prevention, that number could more than double by 2040.

Globally, the World Health Organization attributes 99.7 per cent of cervical cancer cases to HPV. Two strains—HPV 16 and 18—cause more than 70 per cent of cases. Both are preventable through vaccination.

“Tragically, most of the 350,000 annual cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr Amoth. “This is a preventable disease — and we have the tools to stop it.”

Science Backs the Shift

Kenya’s decision is supported by growing scientific evidence. A major study known as the KEN SHE trial, conducted in Kenya and published in 2023, showed that a single dose offers up to 98 per cent protection against persistent HPV infections for at least three years.

The simplified schedule could ease the burden on an already stretched health system, cut costs, and make it easier to reach girls in remote communities.

The Road Ahead

To sustain progress, the Ministry of Health plans to expand school-based vaccination through Grade Five classes, strengthen community outreach, and partner with faith-based networks to rebuild trust.

The national effort aligns with the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 targets—90 per cent of girls vaccinated by age 15, 70 per cent of women screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90 per cent of women with cervical disease treated.

“The future of millions of African girls — and boys too, since HPV affects them as well — depends on the decisions we make now,” said Dr Amoth. “HPV vaccination must remain a central pillar of cervical cancer elimination.”

By the Numbers: HPV in Kenya

• 2.9 million girls aged 10–14 vaccinated since 2019

• 60% received first dose; 30% completed both

• 5,236 new cervical cancer cases annually

• 3,211 deaths each year

• 9.1% of Kenyan women carry high-risk HPV strains

If Kenya succeeds, it could set a model for the region — showing that through science, communication, and trust, a deadly disease can be stopped.

“This is not just a vaccination programme,” Dr Amoth said. “It’s a promise to protect our daughters — and generations to come.”