The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has launched a province-wide vaccination campaign to protect thousands of young girls against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among South African women. The single-dose HPV vaccine drive began on Monday, 8 September 2025, and will continue until 7 November 2025, reaching schools across Gauteng.
Health officials describe the rollout as a vital public health intervention with the potential to transform women’s health for generations.
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Protecting Girls Early
The programme targets girls aged 9 to 15 in Grade 5, along with Grade 6 and 7 learners who missed their vaccinations in previous years. Vaccination teams will visit public schools, private schools, and special schools to ensure that every eligible learner gets covered.
“This life-saving programme highlights the importance of vaccinating girls before the age of 15, as early protection greatly reduces the risk of developing cancer of the cervix later in life,” the department said.
By reaching girls at this stage, the initiative builds a strong layer of immunity before they are exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV) — the virus that causes cervical cancer.
Proven Protection Against Cancer
The vaccine being administered, Cervarix, is safe and highly effective against HPV types 16 and 18. Together, these two strains are responsible for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases globally.
According to the GDoH:
“One dose of HPV vaccination provides girls with lifetime protection against viruses that cause cervical cancer.”
Last year, Gauteng achieved a 91.7% vaccination rate among its target group, one of the best in the country. This year’s campaign includes a catch-up drive to cover learners who missed the jab due to absence or age restrictions.
More Than Just HPV Protection
The drive goes beyond cervical cancer prevention. Health teams will also administer a booster dose of the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to Grade 5 boys and girls.
Officials emphasised that both vaccines can be safely given during the same visit. The Tdap booster builds on earlier doses given at ages six and 12 and helps prevent outbreaks of these potentially dangerous illnesses.
Legal Consent and Parental Support
Parental involvement remains crucial. Schools have distributed consent forms, and the department is urging parents and guardians to return them quickly.
“We are asking parents and guardians who still need to sign the consent forms to do so immediately, so children are not excluded from this critical health intervention,” said the department.
South African law also empowers children 12 years and older to give their own assent if parents do not provide consent. This safeguard ensures learners who want the vaccine are not denied access due to administrative delays or reluctance at home.
Integrated Health Services in Schools
The HPV rollout forms part of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP). Alongside vaccinations, learners will receive screenings for vision, hearing, oral health, and nutrition. Teams will also conduct deworming and provide other on-site medical services.
This integrated approach recognises the link between health and education. Healthy learners attend school more regularly, perform better academically, and face fewer long-term health challenges.
Why This Campaign Matters
Cervical cancer still kills thousands of South African women every year, often because diagnosis comes too late and treatment options remain limited. By vaccinating girls under the age of 15, Gauteng can dramatically reduce future cases of cervical cancer.
Health activists argue that prevention through vaccination offers one of the most effective and affordable long-term solutions. “This vaccine is not just a medical procedure. It’s protection for our daughters, our sisters, and our future mothers. Through protection today, we preserve lives tomorrow,” said a Johannesburg-based activist.
Contact Points for Parents and Schools
To keep the rollout smooth, the GDoH has named coordinators for every district:
- Central Office – Ms Marousi Mzondi | 071 686 5595
- Johannesburg – Ms Mogase Thuso | 071 234 6338
- Ekurhuleni – Ms Kedibone Monyanyedi | 060 567 9246
- Tshwane – Ms Mary Mlangeni | 083 453 3920
- West Rand – Mr Wilson Madzhazhi | 079 182 1277
- Sedibeng – Ms Doreen Langa | 060 539 1798
A Call to Action
The HPV vaccination campaign marks a decisive step in safeguarding the health of Gauteng’s next generation of women. Its success depends on collective effort. Parents, guardians, schools, and communities must all play their part by signing consent forms, encouraging participation, and spreading awareness.
For more information or to get involved, parents and schools should contact their district coordinators today. The best cure for cervical cancer is prevention — and Gauteng is proving that the future of women’s health begins now.
