New Cervical Cancer Vaccine Rollout Targets Schoolgirls

Kenya is intensifying its fight against cervical cancer by accelerating the rollout of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine in schools, targeting girls aged 10 to 14 years. Health officials are shifting to a single-dose vaccination strategy to boost uptake and simplify delivery, after local data suggested that one dose offers strong protection.
The campaign involves partnering with schools across the country, with health workers visiting classrooms to vaccinate eligible girls and educate students and parents on the benefits of the vaccine. Health authorities say the change to a one-dose schedule will reduce dropouts and improve coverage, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Despite the urgency, uptake challenges persist. According to recent data, only about 33% of eligible adolescent girls received the HPV vaccine in 2023Conspiracy theories and misinformation are also impairing progress, prompting public-health officers to intensify community outreach to dispel myths and reassure parents of the vaccine’s safety.
Health leaders hope that by expanding school-based vaccination and rolling out the single-dose regimen, Kenya can drastically reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the coming decades. One shot gives protection — and with it, a real chance to eliminate cervical cancer, said Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth.