SOWETO- The Department of Health will launch South Africa’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategic and Implementation Framework (2026–2030) on 8 May 2026, marking a major step in tackling one of the country’s leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Cervical cancer continues to pose a serious public health challenge, with around 11,000 diagnoses and 6,000 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. Globally, the disease claims a woman’s life every two minutes, highlighting the urgency of coordinated prevention and treatment efforts.
The programme aligns with global targets to eliminate cervical cancer and focuses on three key goals: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70% of women by ages 35 and 45, and ensuring 90% of those diagnosed receive proper treatment. The official launch will be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside senior government leaders and international partners, at Moletsane Sports Complex in Soweto, Gauteng.
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