The Department of Health has launched its 2026 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, aimed at protecting young girls from cervical cancer later in life. Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa, claiming more than 5,700 lives each year.
Speaking to VOC News, Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the campaign forms part of a broad, collaborative effort to prioritise prevention. “I can confirm that the government, in partnership with several stakeholders in the sector, NGOs, people living with cancer, labour unions, the Department of Basic Education, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, will kick off the 2026 HPV vaccination campaign,” Mohale said. “It is meant to protect girls, especially from the age of nine and older, from developing cervical cancer later in life. Prevention is better than cure.”
Mohale explained that the programme will be rolled out through both public and private schools across the country. Schools will identify girls aged nine years and older, primarily in Grade Five, who have not yet been vaccinated. Consent forms will then be sent home to parents, guardians, or caregivers.
“Once parents return the signed consent forms, our nurses will visit schools nationwide to vaccinate only those children whose parents have given permission,” he said. “We do not vaccinate any child without parental consent.”
He urged parents to carefully consider the long-term health benefits of the vaccine. “These children may look healthy now, but cervical cancer can develop years later. As parents, we need to act in the best interests of their future health,” Mohale said.
In addition to the vaccination drive, the Department also addressed public concerns about a possible Nipah virus outbreak. Mohale reassured South Africans that there is currently no cause for alarm. He confirmed that South Africa is not affected by the virus and that the overall risk remains low.
The Department has urged the public to remain calm, rely on verified information, and continue supporting public health initiatives aimed at preventing serious and life-threatening diseases.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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