By Mandisa Dlamini (HST Communications Assistant), Phumula Mudau and Willemien Jansen (HST Copy and Content Editor)
Infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) around the globe. HPV, which comes in more than a dozen strains, can harm both women and men and cause everything from warts to cancer. Cancer often takes years, even decades to develop after a person contracts HPV. It is important to note that genital warts and cancers are caused by different types of HPV. It may be harder for persons with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV, to fight off HPV. They might also be more likely to have HPV-related health issues. The HPV vaccine remains highly effective in preventing HPV infections and related cancers, including cervical cancer, showing promising results in reducing these risks. To further reduce the number of diseases linked to HPV, South Africa has been actively working to increase HPV vaccination rates.
In 2024, the Department of Health launched a nationwide HPV vaccination programme intending to ensure that girls are and remain protected against cervical cancer later in life. The first round of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in South Africa in 2025 is scheduled to take place from 3 February to 28 March. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), in association with the International Papilloma Virus Society does public awareness campaigns, which features International HPV Awareness Day on 4 March to educate about HPV-related cancer. Private school girls will also benefit from these interventions (single-dose vaccinations) as, just like at school-based clinics serving public school girls.
Vaccination and Prevention
Over 90% of HPV-related cancers as well as premature abnormal cancer cells in the anal, vaginal, cervical, and vulvar regions can be avoided by immunisation against HPV. Girls are advised to have an HPV vaccination when younger (usually between the ages of 9 and 26) in order to prevent infection before sexual activity begins. Age can also affect a person's chance of developing HPV-related health problems because older people may have been exposed to the virus for longer or may have received fewer vaccinations. It is important to utilise both the HPV vaccine and maintain safe sexual practices, such as condom use. Using these preventive methods will improve general sexual health and safety by reducing the chance of HPV infection and its associated effects.
HPV in men
The HPV virus can also harm a man's health. It's critical that men know how to lower their risk of contracting HPV. Although genital cancers are rare, HPV infection can increase a man's risk of developing one. Similar to women, men can also develop genital warts due to HPV. Other health risks include penile cancer and oropharyngeal cancers. Men can contract HPV easily through having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. The virus is transmitted through skin to skin contact with an infected area, even if it doesn't look infected. From 2013 to 2017, there were approximately 25 000 cases of HPV-associated cancers in women and 19 000 in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than four out of every ten cases of cancer caused by HPV are in men. A Pap test detects early-stage cervical cancer in women, but no such test exists for penile, anal, or head and neck cancers.
The HPV vaccine is just as beneficial for boys as it is for girls. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the HPV vaccine went through years of rigorous safety testing before it was approved in 2006 to prevent cervical cancer in women and in 2009 to prevent HPV-related cancers in males. The school-based HPV vaccination campaign is currently available to girls only, but according to Unicef, boys age 9 and older are also encouraged to get the HPV vaccine and caregivers should approach their healthcare providers to enquire about this.
Call to Action
Protect Yourself and your loved ones with the HPV Vaccine. By getting vaccinated, you're not only protecting yourself but also contributing to a healthier future for everyone. Do not wait—take action today for a cancer-free tomorrow. To prevent HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases, consult your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine and engage in safe sexual behaviour.
For more information and rsources, visit www.gov.za, Contact Clicks, Dis-Chem, or contact your paediatrician or local pharmacy.
The Health Systems Trust also runs a programme called Cervical Cancer Prevention, Access and Control (CCPAC). For more information go to the website: www.hst.org.za