THE Department of Health has kicked off its 2026 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive in schools all over the country, including Wentworth. This countrywide project aims to vaccinate girls aged nine and older to help stop cervical cancer later in their lives.

Also read: Screening for cancer

Officials in the department of health noticed high stats of cervical cancer cases and deaths, despite the presence of a vaccine.

“Over 5 700 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year in the country, while more than 3 000 women die from cervical cancer-related complications. This means, unvaccinated girls and women living with HIV are at a higher risk of serious health complications if they develop cervical cancer later in life, compared to the general population,” read a statement from the department.

As part of the programme, trained healthcare teams will visit the schools to administer the vaccine, which have been backed by the Department of Basic Education and global health organisations like WHO and UNICEF.

“The HPV vaccine is safe and most effective when provided from age nine or before girls become sexually active. In South Africa, the HPV vaccination was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority in 2008 for its efficacy and safety. Millions of girls in South Africa have received the HPV vaccine without any serious side-effects,” read the statement.

Vusi Mthembu, eThekwini district PRO, confirmed that Wentworth would be one of the communities where the drive will be conducted.

The department emphasised that the programme can only work through collaboration, and they are encouraging parents and caregivers to sign consent forms from schools. Parents and guardians should return signed forms quickly, so eligible girls can get the vaccine.

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