Kenya has taken a significant step in the fight against cervical cancer by adopting a single-dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 10 to 14 years. The transition marks a major milestone in the country’s public health strategy, aimed at simplifying logistics, reducing costs, and increasing vaccination coverage.
Health officials confirmed that scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of a single dose in providing lasting protection against HPV infections, which are responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases. The move is expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a leader in evidence-based immunization across Africa.
Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2019, Kenya has made considerable progress. The coverage rate for the first dose among girls aged 10 to 14 rose from 24 percent in 2022 to over 60 percent by the end of 2024. The second-dose coverage improved from 17 percent to 30 percent, although these numbers remain below the World Health Organization’s 90 percent target for girls vaccinated by age 15.
Regional disparities persist, with counties like Nyamira, Siaya, and Kirinyaga showing high uptake, while northern counties such as Wajir, Garissa, and Turkana lag behind. Cultural beliefs, religious misconceptions, and limited awareness have contributed to low vaccination rates in these areas. Many parents still hold myths that the vaccine affects fertility or question its administration to pre-adolescent girls.
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Kenya, with over 5,000 new cases and more than 3,000 deaths reported annually. Without intensified vaccination and screening, experts warn that daily deaths could double by 2040. Globally, HPV causes 99.7 percent of cervical cancer cases, yet it is preventable through timely immunization.
The simplified single-dose program is expected to reduce dropouts, especially in remote regions where access to health services is limited. The Ministry of Health plans to expand school-based vaccination programs, enhance community sensitization, and collaborate with faith-based organizations to build public trust.
Kenya’s goal aligns with the WHO’s 90-70-90 strategy, which aims to ensure 90 percent of girls are vaccinated by age 15, 70 percent of women screened at 35 and 45, and 90 percent of those diagnosed receive treatment. With the single-dose approach, Kenya hopes to set a new standard for cervical cancer prevention in Africa, safeguarding the health of future generations.
