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Cervical Cancer Elimination: Kenya Transitions to Single-Dose HPV Vaccination Schedule

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Kenyan women after breast cancer, accounting for approximately 2,300 new cases and 1,600 deaths annually. Yet this disease is almost entirely preventable through vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes cervical cancer. In 2019, Kenya rolled out vaccination against cervical cancer using a two dose vaccination schedule targeting 10 year old girls. In November 2025, Kenya officially transitioned from a two-dose to a single-dose HPVvaccination schedule, following recommendations from WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE). SAGE's review of global evidence confirmed that a single dose provides equally effective, long-lasting immunity against the HPV strains responsible for cervical cancer. By requiring just one clinic visit instead of two, Kenya can now protect significantly more girls with existing resources while reducing the financial burden on families.

Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
WHO | Genna Print
"Many girls were missing their second dose due to distance, costs, or simply forgetting to return. Now with just one visit, we can fully protect them against HPV," explains Beatrice Dbwoge, a nurse at Kilifi County Hospital who received WHO training on the new protocol. She administers the vaccine to Jane Brian, 10, while she sits with her mother Christine Chibanza.
Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
WHO | Genna Print
The Ministry of Health with support from WHO provided comprehensive training to 11,000 healthcare workers across the country at national, county, sub-county and health facility levels. "The Ministry of Health and WHO trained us on the new single-dose HPV vaccine protocol. We learned about the latest evidence showing that one dose provides the same protection as two doses," says Nurse Beatrice. The single-dose schedule doubles vaccine coverage capacity with existing resources.
Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
WHO | Genna Print
The economic impact is substantial. "Transport costs money, and sometimes you can't get away from work. Now with one visit, Jane is fully protected. That gives me peace of mind," says Christine. The elimination of a second clinic visit reduces costs and time away from income-generating activities for families across Kenya.
Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
Naomi Kembi, 69, sits with her daughter Selina in their Kilifi County home. Diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in 2019, her treatment included 25 radiotherapy sessions, four chemotherapy rounds, and two months hospitalization in Nairobi. "We spent more than 500,000 shillings on my treatment. Our family contributed what they could, friends helped, and the church members of Kilifi Methodist Church were very supportive," she recalls.
Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
Naomi now operates a small roadside business selling charcoal and vegetables. She requires MRI scans every six months but lacks funds for monitoring. "Right now, I haven't been able to go to the clinic because I don't have money for the required MRI," she explains, illustrating the sustained economic burden of cervical cancer.
Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
WHO | Genna Print
"I lost two of my sisters to HIV back in 1995, when there was no treatment available. When I see my granddaughter vaccinated against HPV, I feel hopeful. No mother should have to watch her daughter suffer from cervical cancer when it can be prevented," says Naomi, who uses educational materials for community outreach.
Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
Faith Gombeni Enokh, 65, sells fish at Kilifi Central Beach Management Unit, where she serves as chair. Diagnosed at stage 2 of cervical cancer in 2010, Faith underwent total hysterectomy requiring blood transfusions. "I had to be given blood, I got 3 pints. Luckily my firstborn child was studying in Mombasa at aviation school, so he got friends who came here and donated blood for me," she recalls.
Kilifi County, HPV vaccine
WHO | Genna Print
Faith indicates a photograph of her sister who died from cervical cancer. She now leads a cancer support group established in 2020 and addresses vaccine hesitancy through peer education. "There's a school near my home where many parents didn't want their children vaccinated. So I took my papers, all my treatment documents, and went there. I told them these vaccines prevent this disease. Me, I was not given this vaccine and that's why I got the disease. I've explained to them and now they accepted," she states.
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Genna Print

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WHO Kenya
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