The Department of Health has expressed confidence in the nation’s progress in combating cervical cancer.

As South Africa joined the global community in marking four years of Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action yesterday, the Department of Health said, that through expanded screening and testing initiatives, the country is making strides towards preventing cervical cancer.

According to the department, the country has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer among women, with an estimated 13 800 new cases annually.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 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,” the department said.

Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action marks a historic commitment made in 2020 by 194 countries, including South Africa, to eliminate cervical cancer. The campaign aligns with the launch of the WHO’s global strategy to achieve this goal.

“The government has introduced interventions to prevent cervical cancer amongst women, and these include the launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in 2014 to reduce the incidence of cancer of the cervix mainly targeting girls in Grade Five, aged 9 years and older, in all public and special schools.

“So far, between 85% and 89% of targeted girls received one or more doses. Studies have shown that vaccination in late childhood/early adolescence is effective as strong immunity develops (before onset of sexual activity),” the department said.

The department highlighted that over this period, more than 7.1 million doses have been administered, and more than four million girl learners have been protected.

“It is estimated that approximately 85% of girls nine to 15 years, in public schools, and approximately 75% of all girls nine to 15 years, in South Africa, have been vaccinated and are protected from developing cervical cancer. The programme has since been extended to private schools from this year to ensure no girl child is left behind, with or without medical aid,” the department said.

The success of the HPV vaccination programme in South Africa has been attributed to high-level political commitment by the ministries of Health and Basic Education, including civil society, parents and school governing bodies, and dedicated funding from National Treasury.

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

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

“Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal in implementing cervical cancer screening programmes 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,” the department said.

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

“A total number of 405 299 girl learners (88.6% of the target population) received HPV vaccination during the February/March round of HPV vaccination against cervical cancer. To date, 17 of the country’s 52 health districts have begun using HPV testing with more districts expected to start during the current financial year,” the department said.

While the country is making progress with HPV vaccination, the department noted that cervical screening and treatment are lagging.

Thus, the department has reminded parents and caregivers to ensure that all eligible girls who missed an HPV dose, should get catch-up doses offered in primary health facilities free of charge. – SAnews.gov.za