HPV vaccination campaign launched in north schools
The health department hopes to reach as many eligible girls as possible to prevent them from getting cervical cancer.
The Gauteng Department of Health has launched its Human Papillomavirus (HVP) vaccination campaign in schools across the north of Pretoria, as part of an initiative to protect young girls from cervical cancer.
This campaign, which began on February 3, aims to vaccinate all eligible girls aged nine and older in public primary and special education (LSEN) schools throughout the Tshwane District.
The campaign will run until March 25.
According to department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, the department’s Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) teams are leading the vaccination effort to ensure that schools in underprivileged areas, including the northern suburbs of Pretoria, are reached.
Modiba said these teams work closely with local schools to co-ordinate the vaccination drive, issuing newsletters and consent forms to parents to inform them about the programmes and obtain their permission to vaccinate eligible learners.
“The learners are fully aware of the vaccination and its impact on their health because nurses educate them and their parents as well.”
Modiba said the partnership with schools has been vital in facilitating the smooth roll-out of the campaign.
“We have received positive co-operation from schools. They’ve played a key role in distributing newsletters and consent forms to parents, informing them about the importance of the vaccine,” said Modiba.
Despite the department’s best efforts, challenges have arisen in the north.
The major issues, according to Modiba, have been the low return rate of consent forms and reluctance from some parents to allow their children to receive the vaccine.
Modiba said the department has taken proactive steps to raise awareness about the benefits of the HPV vaccine, which is known to protect against cervical cancer.
“To address these challenges, the ISHP teams are attending parents’ meetings in the north to advocate for the HPV vaccination and educate parents about the entire ISHP service package.
The Department is excited to launch the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination drive, an important step in protecting the health of future generations. Led by the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, @NkomoNomantu, the initiative kicked off at Lulama Primary School, Soweto.
The… pic.twitter.com/YbCZDiDapi
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) February 3, 2025
“Health promoters and clinicians have been actively engaging with the community through various platforms to spread information about the campaign.”
He said the teams also educate learners about the vaccine’s importance, which encourages them to take that information home and share it with their parents.
“Local clinics and community health workers are also playing a role in raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention.
“Health education sessions are being held in clinics and community gatherings, where parents and caregivers are encouraged to ensure their daughters receive the vaccine.”
The department is committed to ensuring that girls in the north of Pretoria receive access to the HPF vaccine, particularly those in underprivileged areas where healthcare access may be limited.
The campaign will run for nearly two months, giving schools in the region ample time to vaccinate as many eligible girls as possible.
With cervical cancer being one of the most common cancers affecting women, the HPV vaccination campaign represents a step in reducing the incidence of the preventable disease.
As awareness and understanding of the vaccine increase, the department hopes more parents will consent to their daughters being vaccinated, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of future generations.
For more information on the campaign, parents and caregivers can visit their local clinics.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
