Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
16 February 2024 | 15:00 CAT
2 min read

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has launched an extensive vaccine campaign aimed at safeguarding young girls against cervical cancer.

With a primary focus on the Human papillomavirus (HPV), a known precursor to cervical cancer, the campaign is set to run until March 20, 2024.

According to Mkhululi Ndamase, spokesperson for Health, MEC Nomakhosazana Meth, the program has already made a significant impact, with over 110 girls benefiting from the vaccination last year alone.

Ndamase highlighted the proactive approach of teams visiting schools across the province to administer the vaccine to Grade 5 learners. He emphasised the importance of parental consent, stating that parents and guardians must sign consent forms for their children to receive the vaccine and protection.

Professor Michael Herbst, Clinical Specialist and Patient Advocate at the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), shares his insights on cervical cancer and the Human papillomavirus (HPV) with Radio Islam.

Professor Herbst highlighted the importance of initiating HPV vaccinations at an early age, ideally before individuals become sexually active, to provide effective protection against the virus. While acknowledging the current focus on vaccinating girls, he highlighted the need to eventually extend vaccination efforts to boys due to their role as carriers of HPV.

“It’s crucial to note that HPV also causes other types of cancer such as head and neck cancer, throat cancer, and penile cancer. Therefore, expanding vaccination coverage to include boys is imperative to prevent these potentially life-threatening diseases,” he said.

According to Professor Herbst, South Africa has made significant strides in HPV vaccination, prompting the need to extend coverage to boys as well.

Professor Herbst said that although the effects of the virus manifest slowly, typically affecting women in their late 20s, the influence of the HPV vaccine is apparent. He also pointed out there has been a noticeable decrease in incidents, indicating the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing HPV transmission and associated health risks.

“CANSA has a significant role in educating the public about cancer, particularly cervical cancer and its association with HPV. Early recognition of signs and symptoms is vital, as it enables timely detection and treatment, ultimately saving lives,” he said.

According to Professor Herbst, recent observations indicate a decline in vaccine hesitancy in South Africa.

“However, we should not become complacent in our efforts because there are individuals who continuously spread negative stories about the effects of different vaccines, causing a lot of hesitancy. It is crucial to note that the HPV vaccine is available and has the potential to save many lives,” he said.

Professor Herbst said that the HPV vaccine is widely available across all nine provinces in South Africa. He pointed out that a significant challenge arises when it comes to reaching rural areas, particularly regarding obtaining parental consent. In many cases, parents in these areas may face difficulties in reading and understanding the consent documents, thereby hindering their ability to provide informed consent for vaccination. This obstacle results in many young girls being unable to receive the vaccine without the necessary consent.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Professor Michael Herbst, a Clinical Specialist and Patient Advocate CANSA, here.