By Eddah Waithaka
In a powerful response to the first-ever World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, a team of ten ultra-runners will summit Mt. Kenya’s Point Lenana within ten hours this November, symbolizing the ten Kenyan women lost to the disease every single day.
The daring “Ultra-Dash” on November 17th launches a month-long national campaign by KILELE Health Association, in partnership with Ultra Runners Kenya and Arch Treks Safaris.
The event aims to jolt the nation into action, aligning with the World Health Organization’s 2025 theme, “Act Now: Eliminate Cervical Cancer.”
This symbolic run underscores a critical health crisis. Cervical cancer remains a leading killer of women in Kenya, with the GLOBOCAN 2022 report documenting 5,845 new annual diagnoses and 3,591 deaths almost all preventable.
“Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and eliminable, but only if we keep it consistently in the national conversation and encourage our people to Act Now!” said Benda Kithaka, Executive Director of KILELE Health Association.
Kithaka revealed that each runner is dedicating their summit attempt to a woman they personally know who has faced the disease.
“These brave ultra-runners have taken time away from work and family to champion women’s health, drawing inspiration from personal stories; loved ones lost, family members currently undergoing cancer treatment, and survivors whose resilience fuels their commitment,” she added.
Government and Global Efforts Gain Momentum
The event coincides with significant advancements in Kenya’s public health strategy. The Ministry of Health has reinvigorated its prevention campaign by switching to a single-dose HPV vaccine schedule for all 10-year-old girls, a move proven to be safe, effective, and a major boost to vaccination accessibility since its introduction in 2019.
This endurance challenge acts as the apex of a year-long movement by KILELE Health, which has mobilized survivors and caregivers across the country to hike mountains and share their stories.
The Mt. Kenya ascent continues a five-year tradition of using mountain climbing as a metaphor for the fight against cancer.
Launching a New Era of Accountability
Beyond the mountain, the campaign will launch a pivotal tool for change. On November 24th, the Africa Cervical Health Alliance (ACHA), a flagship program of KILELE Health, will unveil the ACHA ASPIRE Scorecard.
This accountability framework will track progress across Africa on HPV vaccination, screening, treatment, governance, and financing.“Our mission is simple: raise awareness, raise funds, and reduce stigma,” said Nyaruai Muhoro, Race Director for Ultra Runners Kenya.
“We look forward to a successful expedition and a meaningful contribution to Kenya’s prevention and awareness efforts.” The Ultra-Dash is only the beginning.
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The team plans a second, even more ambitious run in January 2026 conquering three summits in two days via different routes, and will include cancer survivors and caregivers in the climb.
KILELE Health is calling on all Kenyans to take one actionable step: talk to their community about HPV vaccination, take a girl to get protected, encourage women to get screened, or support those in treatment.
They are also urging public support for their advocacy and community screening initiatives.“This moment calls for consistent and sustained media coverage,” Kithaka stated.
“We therefore urge the media to partner with us in championing accurate reporting, powerful storytelling, and continuous visibility. Our ask is simple: help us ensure that no woman suffers or dies silently.”
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