SA makes progress with HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer

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In marking four years of global movement known as Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, the Department of Health says it making progress with HPV vaccination.

This, according to the department is attributed to efforts to prevent cervical cancer through various interventions, including expanded screening and testing services.

It further revealed that the country has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer among women and faces a significant burden, with an estimated 13,800 new cases annually.

According to the World Health Organization, Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with around 660 000 new cases and around 350 000 deaths in 2022.

In South Africa, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women Though, cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.

This Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action campaign is commemorated annually on 17 November since the year when 194 countries including South Africa resolved in 2020 to eliminate a cancer for the first time and later WHO launched the Global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination campaign

The government has introduced a number of interventions to prevent cervical cancer amongst women, and these include the launch of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in 2014, the departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale added.

He said this with an aim to reduce the incidence of cancer of the cervix mainly targeting all girls in grade 5, aged 9 years and older in all public and special schools.

Mohale stated that so far, between 85% and 89% of targeted girls received one or more doses.

“Studies have shown that vaccination in late childhood/early adolescents is effective as strong immunity develops (before onset of sexual activity).

“Over this period more than 7,1 million doses have been administered, and more than 4 million girl learners protected.

“It is estimated that approximately 85% of girls 9 – 15 years in public schools and approximately 75% of all girls 9 – 15 years in South Africa have been vaccinated and are protected from developing cervical cancer.

“The programme has since been extended to private schools effective from this year in order to ensure no girls child is left behind, with or without medical aid,” he explained.

This year’s commemoration is focusing on healthcare workers for commitment in the fight against cervical cancer which is encapsulated in the theme: “Elevating Frontline Health Workers: Transforming Global Commitments into Lifesaving Actions”.

Mohale highlighted that it underscores the critical role that healthcare professionals play in enhancing awareness, screening, and treatment of cervical cancer.

He continued; “Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal in implementing cervical cancer screening programs and educating communities about prevention.

“Their knowledge and attitudes significantly influence screening uptake among women.

“Studies have shown that inadequate knowledge and misconceptions among HCWs can lead to suboptimal care for cervical cancer patients, highlighting the necessity for continuous education and training.

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“It is for this reason that the Department of Health in collaboration with World Health Organization, is rolling out capacity training for clinicians in provinces to improve their confidence in performing cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures.”

Mohale added that while the country is making progress with HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment are lagging behind.

“Thus, parents and caregivers are reminded to ensure that all eligible girls who missed HPV dose, should get catch-up doses offered in primary health facilities free of charge,” he concluded.