On Sunday, 17 November, South Africa joined the global community in observing Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to combat cervical cancer. The Department of Health expressed satisfaction with the progress made in cervical cancer prevention, especially through expanded screening and vaccination programs.
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge in South Africa, with approximately 13,800 new cases diagnosed each year. Globally, it ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women, responsible for around 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022. In South Africa, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer among women, but it is highly treatable if detected early.
Since 2020, South Africa has been part of a global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer, aligning with 194 countries committed to the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer. This strategy aims to eradicate the disease as a public health challenge and reduce its burden on women worldwide.
Foster Mohale, Acting Head of Communications at the Department of Health, emphasized the importance of the day’s commemoration. “As we join the global community to mark four years of Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, we are confident that South Africa is making positive progress in our prevention efforts. With expanded HPV screening and testing services, we are tackling the significant burden posed by cervical cancer,” said Mohale.
One of the most effective measures introduced in South Africa is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which began in 2014. The program focuses on vaccinating grade 5 girls, aged nine years and older, at public and special schools. To date, over 7.1 million doses have been administered, protecting more than four million girls. The vaccination coverage rate is currently between 85% and 89%, with the initiative recently extended to include private schools, further widening protection.
This success is attributed to strong collaboration between the Department of Health, the Department of Basic Education, civil society organizations, school governing bodies, and parents, with significant funding from the National Treasury.
Additionally, the Department of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organisation, has launched training programs to enhance healthcare workers’ skills in cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. As of now, 17 out of South Africa’s 52 health districts have adopted HPV testing, with plans to expand this coverage in the coming years.
While progress has been made, there is still work to be done, particularly in expanding cervical screening and treatment services. The Department of Health encourages parents and caregivers to ensure that girls who may have missed their vaccinations receive catch-up doses, available free of charge at all primary health facilities.
