The legal framework
Kenya introduced HPV vaccination into routine immunisation in 2019 for 10-year-old girls, free of charge. Cervical screening is offered at public facilities, principally through visual inspection with acetic acid, with HPV testing expanding. Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women.
Kenya introduced HPV vaccination into routine immunisation in 2019 for girls aged ten, delivered through health facilities and schools, after overcoming significant misinformation. Screening is provided through county facilities, largely using visual inspection with acetic acid, with HPV testing expanding in the larger centres.
Key points
| Vaccination | In routine immunisation since 2019 for girls aged 10 |
|---|---|
| Doses | Schedule aligned with international recommendations |
| Screening | Visual inspection with acetic acid at public facilities; HPV testing expanding |
| Age group | Women aged 25 to 49 targeted |
| Women living with HIV | Screened more frequently |
| Burden | Leading cause of cancer death among women |
| Cost | Vaccination and public screening are free |
In practice
- Have 10-year-old girls vaccinated through routine immunisation: it is free.
- Ask for screening at a public facility; it is free and gives an immediate result.
- If you are living with HIV, ask for more frequent screening.
- Vaccination does not remove the need for screening later.
Cost and coverage
Vaccination and public screening are free.
Where to go
- Public health facilities and immunisation clinics.
- National cancer control programme.
- Comprehensive care centres, which integrate screening for women living with HIV.
Worth knowing
Rumours about the vaccine have circulated widely and reduced uptake in some communities. The evidence on safety is extensive and consistent, and the alternative is a cancer that kills more Kenyan women than any other.
Frequently asked questions
What is visual inspection with acetic acid?
A simple screening method in which acetic acid is applied to the cervix and abnormal areas turn white, visible to the naked eye. It gives an immediate result and allows treatment in the same visit, which suits settings where laboratory access is limited.
Why vaccinate boys as well as girls?
Because HPV causes cancers of the penis, anus and throat as well as the cervix, and genital warts in both sexes — and because high coverage in both sexes cuts transmission for everyone far faster than vaccinating girls alone. Programmes that include boys reach population-level protection years earlier, which is why almost every country that started with girls has since extended it.
Official sources and links
- eCitizen — official government services portal