Kenya Marks First World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day with Mt Kenya Run
17 November 2025 marks the first World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. The global call to action urges countries to boost HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, and access to care.
Kenya has made progress in prevention. The Ministry of Health introduced HPV vaccination in 2019 and expanded HPV testing and treatment. This year, the government adopted a single-dose HPV vaccine for all 10-year-old girls. The dose is safe, effective, and recommended for cervical cancer prevention.
KILELE Health Association, together with Ultra Runners Kenya and Arch Treks Safaris, is leading a symbolic challenge. Ten runners will climb Mt Kenya’s Point Lenana in 10 hours. Their effort honours the 10 women Kenya loses every day to cervical cancer. The run also launches a month-long campaign to raise awareness and funds.
KILELE Health is encouraging Kenyans to take simple actions. They can talk to others about HPV vaccination, take girls for vaccination, urge women to get screened, or support those in treatment. The organisation says no woman should die from a preventable disease.
The runners will return in January 2026 for a second challenge. They plan to complete three summits in two days during Kenya’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Survivors and caregivers will also take part.
KILELE Health Movement for 2025
Throughout the year, KILELE Health has led a national movement of survivors and caregivers. They have climbed mountains, shared stories, and engaged communities to raise awareness. The Mt Kenya challenge is the highlight of this five-year awareness tradition.
On 24 November 2025, the Africa Cervical Health Alliance will launch the ACHA ASPIRE Scorecard. This tool will track progress in vaccination, screening, treatment, governance, and financing. It will guide decision-makers and improve accountability. The scorecard will be tested in 12 African countries in 2026.
Benda Kithaka, Executive Director at KILELE Health, says the country must act now. She notes that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable. She calls on the media to help keep the issue visible. She also urges support for survivors and families.
Race Director Nyaruai Muhoro says each runner is dedicating the climb to a woman affected by cancer. She hopes the challenge will raise awareness, funds, and reduce stigma.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. In 2022, more than 660,000 women were diagnosed globally and over 350,000 died. In Kenya, 5,845 cases are recorded each year and 3,591 women lose their lives.
Kenya’s message this year is clear. Prevention is possible, action is urgent, and together the country can move closer to eliminating cervical cancer.
