Kenya remains firmly committed to achieving the constitutional right of the highest attainable standard of health for all its people, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals and the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. These aspirations reflect our national resolve to ensure that every Kenyan can access essential health services without financial hardship. Cervical cancer elimination stands as a critical pillar within this broader agenda, symbolizing our dedication to equity, dignity, and improved quality of life for women and girls across the country.

The global call to eliminate cervical cancer presents Kenya with a transformative opportunity to strengthen our health system. Achieving this goal requires a renewed focus on a resilient and motivated health workforce, the strengthening of primary health care as the foundation of service delivery, and sustainable domestic financing to ensure long- term continuity of lifesaving interventions. By embracing innovation, reinforcing health infrastructure, and ensuring the integration of preventive and treatment services, Kenya can build a system capable not only of combating cervical cancer but also of advancing broader health and development priorities.

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related illness and death among women in Kenya, disproportionately affecting those in low-resource settings. Its burden is particularly tragic because cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable when detected early. Despite progress in vaccination, screening, and treatment, gaps in access, awareness, and timely care continue to undermine our national efforts and perpetuate avoidable suffering among Kenyan families.

This National Cervical Cancer Elimination Action Plan therefore provides a clear and coordinated pathway to accelerate progress toward a cervical cancer-free Kenya. I call upon all government entities, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, professional associations, communities, and individuals to take up their role in bringing this plan to life. Let us act boldly, invest wisely, and collaborate with unwavering commitment. Together, we can protect the lives of our women and girls and realize the vision of a healthier, more equitable future for our nation.

Hon. Aden Duale, EGH
Cabinet Secretary
Ministry of Health, Kenya