Health Department Introduces Vaccination Initiative to Protect Girls Aged 9 to 14 from HPV and Cervical Cancer
Johannesburg – The Department of Health has launched its inaugural round of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccinations for girls between the ages of nine and 14, highlighting the critical issues related to HPV and cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccination drive kicked off on Monday, (3 February 2025), and will continue until 28 March 2025.
Cervical cancer is the foremost cause of cancer-related deaths among South African adolescents and women aged 15 to 44.
While early detection can facilitate successful treatment, prevention remains significantly more effective.

Dr. Themba Hadebe, Clinical and Managed Care Executive at Bonitas, provides insights and vital information regarding cervical cancer, which is caused by persistent HPV infections. He underscores the significance of screening for the virus and discusses the vaccinations that help in prevention.
Why is the HPV vaccine important?
HPV infects cervical cells, and if the infection persists, it can lead to abnormal cell changes, potentially resulting in cancer.
Persistent infections with high-risk HPV types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, account for more than 99% of cervical cancer cases.
“To support cervical cancer prevention, we have expanded our preventative care benefits to include the HPV vaccine across all our plans,” mentioned Dr. Hadebe.
“As recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), this vaccination consists of two doses for females aged nine to 14, and three doses for those aged 15 to 26 years throughout their lifetime.”
HPV and cervical cancer screening:
Regular screenings are essential to mitigate cervical cancer risk, as they can identify changes in cervical cells and detect early-stage cancers before symptoms emerge.
Two primary tests are utilized for detection:
- Pap smear: Cervical cancer tends to grow slowly and often does not exhibit immediate symptoms. However, it can be identified through regular Pap smear tests, where cervical cells are examined under a microscope to detect pre-cancerous changes.
- HPV test: This test specifically identifies HPV, especially the high-risk types HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for 90% of cervical cancers.
It is advisable for women aged between 21 and 65 to have pap smears every two years, and from age 30 onwards, they should undergo both a pap smear and HPV test every five years.
Signs and symptoms:
HPV infection can lead to several symptoms, including lesions in the genital region, dark lesions in other areas, painful lumps on the arms, and skin growths on the balls of the feet and heels.
The significance of prevention:
“Engage in open conversations with your daughter about important lifestyle choices,” recommends Dr. Hadebe.
“Although these discussions may feel uncomfortable, they are essential for safeguarding her from HPV and related diseases.”
Key topics to discuss should include the importance of the HPV vaccination as her foremost defense against the virus.
Moreover, she should think about the following considerations:
- Delaying sexual activity until age 18: Initiating sexual activity early raises the risk of HPV infection.
- Using protection during every sexual encounter: HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
- Minimizing the number of sexual partners.
- Avoiding smoking: Smoking harms overall health and increases cancer risk and related mortality.
- Keeping a healthy weight: Higher body fat can lead to increasing cancer risks. A balanced diet and regular exercise can assist in weight control and enhance the immune system.
If diagnosed with cervical cancer:
Cervical cancer, like other cancers, is categorized based on severity.
It ranges from in situ, where the cancer has not invaded nearby tissues, to stage one (where it stays localized and remains small).
If left untreated, the cancer may spread to surrounding lymph nodes and, in advanced cases, metastasize to nearby tissues and additional lymph nodes.
As the disease advances, the following symptoms may present:
- Abnormal bleeding, such as post-intercourse bleeding.
- Pain in the pelvic area unrelated to menstrual cycles.
- Heavy or unusual discharge.
- Increased frequency of urination.
- Discomfort while urinating.
“Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women after breast cancer,” stated Dr. Hadebe.
“Nevertheless, if detected early and treated swiftly, it has a high cure rate.
“This highlights the importance of regular pap smears to spot any cervical changes and vaccinating young girls to protect against potential HPV infections.”
For further information on cervical cancer and HPV, please visit the Bonitas website at www.bonitas.co.za or the Department of Health at https://www.health.gov.za