In-depth: The state of SA’s HPV vaccination programme in 2023

Posted in: Child health, Healthcare system, Latest, Reproductive Health, SRHR

South Africa’s HPV vaccination programme has by all accounts been a resounding success over the last decade, likely helping to prevent many cases of cervical cancer. But the programme has suffered major setbacks due to COVID-19-related disruptions and in addition to getting it back on track, some argue vaccine eligibility should be expanded to include boys as well as older girls and women newly infected with HIV. Amy Green takes stock of the country’s HPV vaccination efforts.

Interview: Prof Lynette Denny reflects on an extraordinary life of service

Posted in: Latest, Reproductive Health, Sex Work, SRHR

Professor Lynette Denny of the University of Cape Town recently received the Order of the Baobab, the country’s highest accolade for citizen excellence. Bienne Huisman spoke to her about her ground-breaking research in cervical cancer prevention, her own ongoing struggle with cancer, and the enrichment she has found in being of service.

HPV: What is happening with SA’s other relatively new vaccine programme?

Posted in: COVID-19, Edition 6: HIV & teens, Healthcare system, HIV/AIDS, Latest, Reproductive Health, SRHR

In 2014, South Africa launched an HPV vaccination campaign targeting 9-year-old public school learners in Grade 4. It involves delivering two doses of vaccine six months apart. Laura Owings asks how the campaign is going and what recent real-world HPV vaccine effectiveness data from the United Kingdom might mean for South Africa.