Jab today, save lives tomorrow: Gauteng rolls out HPV vaccine

The Gauteng Department of Health has rolled out its provincial Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, describing it as a critical and life-saving intervention to prevent cervical cancer among girls. The campaign coincides with World Cancer Day on Wednesday and forms part of the province’s broader efforts to strengthen cancer prevention and early intervention. The department said cervical cancer remains “one of the most preventable forms of cancer”, yet it continues to claim the lives of women due to missed opportunities for early prevention.

“Vaccinating girls against HPV before the age of 15 significantly reduces their lifetime risk of developing cervical cancer,” the department said. HPV is a common virus, and certain high-risk strains are known to cause cervical cancer later in life. Health authorities have consistently emphasised vaccination as one of the most effective tools to reduce future cancer cases.

The provincial HPV Vaccination Campaign officially commenced on 2 February 2026 and will run until 31 March 2026. It is being implemented in all public primary schools and special schools through the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP). Eligible Grade 5 students aged nine years and older will receive a single dose of the HPV vaccine.

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According to the department, this single dose “provides lifelong protection against high-risk HPV strains linked to cervical cancer”. Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has been visiting schools across the province as part of the rollout.

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