As Kenya joined the global community in observing World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025, KILELE Health Association led the charge with a bold, symbolic campaign designed to rally the country toward cervical cancer prevention.
Action for World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025
17th November 2025 marked the first-ever World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025, a milestone in the global fight to end cervical cancer as a public health threat.
Guided by the World Health Organization’s theme “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer,” governments worldwide have been urged to invest in HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, and equitable access to care.
In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has been working steadily toward these goals. Since 2019, girls have been receiving the HPV vaccine, and HPV testing and treatment have been expanded in line with WHO’s 90-70-90 guidelines.
This year, the government reinforced the campaign by switching to a single-dose schedule for HPV vaccination for all 10-year-old girls a move backed by science and aimed at boosting coverage.
To amplify this momentum, KILELE Health Association, in partnership with Ultra Runners Kenya and Arch Treks Safaris, organised a dramatic endurance event: 10 ultra-runners racing to Mt. Kenya’s Point Lenana within 10 hours, symbolising the 10 women Kenya loses every day to cervical cancer.
The challenge served as the launch of a month-long national campaign encouraging Kenyans to ACT NOW the rallying cry of World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025 by taking one meaningful step toward cervical cancer prevention.
Kenyans are encouraged to:
- Talk to their communities about HPV vaccination
- Take girls for vaccination
- Encourage women to get screened
- Support those undergoing treatment
- Champion awareness in their circles
Because no woman should die from a preventable disease.
KILELE is also urging the public to support its advocacy work, push for better treatment access, and strengthen community-level screening. The ultra-team will return in January 2026 for another symbolic challenge three summits in two days during Kenya’s National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
A Year of Action Led by KILELE
Throughout 2025, KILELE has built a nationwide movement anchored in survivors’ voices, caregiver stories, and powerful advocacy through mountain hikes. The Mt. Kenya Ultra-Dash is the culmination of this five-year tradition of “summitting for awareness.”
On 24 November 2025, KILELE’s flagship programme the Africa Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA) will unveil the ACHA ASPIRE Scorecard.
This groundbreaking accountability tool will track progress on HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, governance, and financing across Africa.
It will be piloted in 12 countries in 2026 to strengthen evidence-based policy decisions and civil-society advocacy.
Official Statements
Benda Kithaka, Executive Director, KILELE Health Association
“Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and eliminable but only if we keep it in the national conversation and encourage our people to Act Now. These brave ultra-runners have stepped away from work and family to champion women’s health, inspired by personal stories of loss, survival, and resilience.
This moment requires sustained media attention. We urge the media to help ensure that no woman suffers or dies silently. As we mark World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day 2025 and launch the ACHA ASPIRE Scorecard, our commitment to survivors, caregivers, and communities remains unwavering.”
Nyaruai Muhoro, Race Director, Ultra Runners Kenya
“KILELE has been a strong partner to Ultra Runners Kenya, especially through the Backyard Ultra Run, where we work together to reach underserved communities. Today, 10 runners will attempt a one-day dash to Point Lenana 10 hours for 10 women lost daily. Each runner dedicates this summit to a woman they personally know.
Our mission is simple: raise awareness, raise funds, and reduce stigma. We look forward to playing our part in Kenya’s prevention and awareness efforts.”
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