Almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection, an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Though most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer.
Simelela said there is a need for political commitment complemented with equitable access to the vaccine. “It facilitates implementing catch-up campaigns for multiple age groups, reduces the challenges linked to tracing girls for their second dose and allows for financial and human resources to be redirected to other health priorities.”
Vaccination against HPV in SA was introduced in 2014 as part of the national drive to reach girls aged nine to 14 years. However, the vaccination campaign has been received with scepticism by some parents who refuse to have their children vaccinated for fear it might encourage their daughters to engage in promiscuous behaviour.