By Victoria Musimbi
Kenya today joined the global community in marking the 1st World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, a historic moment in efforts to end cervical cancer as a public health threat. The day, observed on 17th November 2025, comes as countries rally behind the WHO call to “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer,” urging increased HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, and equitable access to healthcare.
In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has strengthened prevention measures by scaling up HPV testing and treatment, and adopting the new single-dose HPV vaccination schedule for 10-year-old girls an approach endorsed by WHO as safe and effective.
To mark the day, the KILELE Health Association, in partnership with Ultra Runners Kenya and Arch Treks Safaris, staged a bold symbolic event: 10 ultra-runners attempting to summit Mt. Kenya’s Point Lenana (15,345 ft) within 10 hours, honouring the 10 Kenyan women who die daily from cervical cancer.
This challenge marks the beginning of a month-long nationwide awareness and fundraising campaign, encouraging Kenyans to take practical actions from talking about HPV vaccination, taking girls for the jab, supporting screening among women, to walking with those undergoing treatment.
“This disease is preventable, treatable, and eliminable, but only if we keep it in the national conversation,” said Benda Kithaka, Executive Director of KILELE Health. She urged the media to amplify survivor stories and increase public awareness, adding that no woman should “suffer or die silently.”
The runners dedicated their strenuous challenge to women they personally know who have battled cervical cancer. Race Director Nyaruai Muhoro said the mission was to “raise awareness, raise funds, and reduce stigma,” noting that KILELE Health has been an important partner in bringing cancer awareness to underserved communities.
A Year-Long Movement
The Mt. Kenya Ultra-Dash is the peak moment in KILELE Health’s year-long movement of survivors and caregivers hiking mountains to advocate for cervical cancer prevention and better support systems.
The team will return to Mt. Kenya in January 2026 for another symbolic run three summits in two days to close Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
New Accountability Tool to Be Launched
As part of the 2025 activities, KILELE Health will, on 24th November, launch the ACHA ASPIRE Scorecard, an Africa-wide tool designed to track progress in HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, governance, and financing.
The scorecard will be piloted in 12 African countries starting 2026, offering continental evidence to strengthen policy and advocacy efforts.
The Cervical Cancer Burden
Globally, cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women.
The GLOBOCAN 2022 report shows:
660,000 new cases
350,000 deaths worldwide
In Kenya:
5,845 women diagnosed annually
3,591 lost to the disease
Despite the burden, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—making awareness and early action crucial.
About KILELE Health
KILELE Health Association is a non-profit and member of the Union for International Cancer Control, the NCD Alliance Kenya, and KENCO. Through advocacy, wellness programs, and the annual KILELE Challenge, the organization blends physical endurance with empowerment, driving visibility for survivor stories and cancer prevention.