South Africa's HPV vaccination drive to protect girls from cervical cancer is working—what we know after 10 years

AI Summary

South Africa's school-based HPV vaccination program, introduced in 2014 for girls aged nine and older, has achieved high uptake. About 87% of eligible girls received at least one dose in the first year, and a decade of experience is being assessed for its role in preventing cervical cancer.

South Africa introduced a vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) in public schools in 2014. The program offered the vaccination to fourth-grade girls ages 9 and older. Uptake was high from the start. About 87% of eligible girls received at least one dose during the first year.