Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance  along with First Lady Margaret  Kenyatta will be launching the  Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine In Mombasa on Friday.

Cancer of the Cervix, which forms the lower part of the uterus, is the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women in Kenya, killing at least 9 Women daily. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the primary cause of 99.7% of all cervical cancers.

At least two thirds of cervical cancer cases could be averted if 90% coverage is reached with HPV Vaccines. Kenya plans to introduce HPV vaccine into routine immunization for girls aged 10 years in 2019, to reduce the burden due to Cervical Cancer in the country.

The Vaccine will be offered Nationally alongside other Routine Infant Vaccines through an existing network of over 9,000 Public, Private, Faith Based and NGO health facilities FREE OF CHARGE, to 800,000 girls, who are currently 10 years old and subsequently to all girls as they turn 10 years in future.