Soweto: The Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme will be launched later this week at the Moletsane Sports Complex in Soweto. South Africa faces a significant challenge with approximately 5,700 new cases of cervical cancer each year, and 3,000 women succumbing to complications related to the disease annually.

According to South African Government News Agency, the implementation of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, alongside regular screening and early treatment, can significantly reduce these numbers and save lives. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination in a recent post on social media platform X, stating that the programme’s core focus is the vaccination of girls between the ages of 9 to 15 years.

Earlier this year, the health department initiated the 2026 HPV vaccination drive, targeting girls aged 9 years and older to protect them from developing cervical cancer later in life. The HPV vaccine, approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority in 2008, has been administered to millions of girls in South Africa without any serious side effects, underscoring its safety and efficacy.

The department highlighted the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders, particularly parents and caregivers, who need to complete vaccination consent forms for eligible girl learners. The success of this campaign relies heavily on these collaborative efforts. The formal launch of the programme is scheduled for Friday.