The Department of Health has launched its 2026 HPV vaccination drive, aiming to protect girls aged nine years and older from developing cervical cancer later in life. Cervical cancer remains a major health concern in South Africa, with more than 5 700 new cases reported annually and over 3 000 related deaths.

Girls and women living with HIV are particularly at risk if left unvaccinated, the department said.

Trained healthcare teams will administer the vaccines through a school-based campaign in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, the World Health Organisation, and UNICEF.

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“The HPV vaccine is safe and most effective when given from age nine, or before girls become sexually active.

“Since its approval in 2008 by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, millions of girls have been vaccinated without serious side effects,” the department said.

Since 2014, approximately 3.6 million girls have benefited from the HPV vaccination programme, with over 7.2 million doses administered.

This year’s campaign has been expanded to reach girls in both public and private schools, including special independent schools, ensuring no child is left behind.

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The programme will focus primarily on Grade Five girls, with parents and guardians required to complete consent forms issued by schools to enable vaccination.

The department stressed that the campaign’s success depends on strong collaboration between healthcare teams, schools, and families.

Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in South Africa, after breast cancer, making the HPV vaccination a critical preventive health measure.