SA Launches 2026 HPV Vaccination Drive to Protect Girls From Cervical Cancer

South Africa continues to face a heavy cervical cancer burden, despite the availability of effective vaccines in both public and private healthcare systems.

The Department of Health today officially launched its 2026 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination drive, reaffirming government’s commitment to preventing cervical cancer among young girls across South Africa.

The nationwide campaign targets girls aged nine years and older, with a strong focus on early protection before exposure to the virus that causes most cervical cancer cases later in life.

South Africa continues to face a heavy cervical cancer burden, despite the availability of effective vaccines in both public and private healthcare systems. According to the department, more than 5 700 new cervical cancer cases are recorded annually, while over 3 000 women die each year from related complications.

“This means unvaccinated girls, particularly those who may later live with HIV, face a significantly higher risk of severe health complications if they develop cervical cancer,” the department said.

The Department of Health assured parents and schools that the vaccinations will be administered by trained healthcare teams as part of a coordinated, school-based programme implemented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF.

Health authorities emphasised that the HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and most beneficial when administered from the age of nine, or before girls become sexually active. The vaccine was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in 2008, and millions of doses have since been safely administered nationwide.

Since the programme’s launch in 2014, more than 3.6 million girls, primarily in public schools, have benefitted, with over 7.2 million doses delivered and no serious safety concerns reported.

In a major expansion, the 2026 campaign will now reach all girls in public and private schools, including special and independent schools, ensuring equitable access and leaving no learner behind. The programme will mainly focus on Grade 5 learners aged nine and above, as cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in South Africa, after breast cancer.

Call to action for parents and caregivers

The department stressed that the success of the campaign depends on strong collaboration, particularly from parents, caregivers, and legal guardians. Schools will issue consent forms, which must be signed and returned to allow eligible girls to receive this lifesaving protection.

Parents are encouraged to act early, support the programme, and help safeguard the long-term health of their children.