National HPV Vaccination Campaign Expands to All Schools

Since launching in 2014, South Africa's national HPV vaccination programme has protected more than 3.6 million girls, administering over 7.2 million doses through school-based delivery. As of 2026, the campaign has been expanded to reach every eligible girl in public, private and special schools so that no girl is excluded based on where she is educated.

The vaccine targets Human Papillomavirus, the cause of cervical cancer, South Africa's second most common cancer among women. The national goal is to reach 90 percent coverage by 2030. Every dose brings the country closer to eliminating a disease that currently kills approximately 6 000 South African women annually.

What you need to know

• Protects against: cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers
• Who: girls aged 9 and older in Grade 5

Where: at school free of charge

What: two doses six months apart

Requirement: signed consent form from parent or guardian

What you can do

Vaccination works best BEFORE exposure, which is why girls are vaccinated before they become sexually active. If your daughter missed vaccination at school, ask your local clinic when catch-up sessions are scheduled. Protection is lifelong.

Sources

Every claim on this page is traceable. These are the documents it rests on.

1. South African Government 31 January 2026
2. referenced in provincial updates July–August 2026