By More Matshediso
Bloemfontein – Fifty-four pupils from Gonyane Primary School in Bloemfontein were among the first group of girl learners in the country to get vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) on Wednesday.
The Grade 4 learners, aged between nine and 10 years, are beneficiaries of the country’s HPV vaccination campaign, which is targeting to vaccinate about half a million girls against the virus.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, along with his Deputy Gwen Ramogopa, was at the helm of launching the vaccination programme at the Free State school. The day was a momentous occasion for the minister, who said that negotiating for the HPV vaccine to be accessed freely by South Africans was not a walk in the park. Administered in private health institutions, the vaccine costs between R700 - R1 000.
“About 130 countries across the globe are vaccinating young girls for HPV. So far, about 170 million children have been vaccinated worldwide and I am proud to say the number has increased by 54 today,” said Minister Motsoaledi.
The minister lost his grandmother to cervical cancer two years after her diagnosis, at which time, it was already at stage 4.
“Breast cancer is a leading deadly cancer in women, followed by cervical cancer… but we do not have a vaccine for it. Since we have a vaccine for HPV, let us help one another to fight cervical cancer,” said Minister Motsoaledi.
Three thousand health workers have been trained to work in the HPV vaccine programme in the country.
The minister explained that girls should take a second dose of the vaccine after six months and then from there onwards, they will be vaccinated once every year.
Minister Motsoaledi said at some point, Free State recorded the highest maternal mortality rate compared to other provinces but the statistics have declined.
“Free State was chosen to launch this programme with the aim of lowering maternal mortality, even more so because most women aged between 35 and 55 years died of cancer,” he said.
About 16 million women over the age of 15 are at risk of cervical cancer in South Africa. The Health Ministry aims to reduce cervical cancer related deaths gradually within the next two to three decades through the vaccine programme.
Breast cancer survivor Asante Shongwe shared a little about her ordeal and how she rose above the disease.
“I grew up like any other child from a humble background. Unlike the others, I was raised by a single mother. I paid the necessary attention to my school work and that helped me understand my situation and cope with cancer better than I could possibly have,” said Shongwe, emphasising the importance of education and motivating learners.
Shongwe voiced concerned about a belief among some Sotho women, who allege that cancer is non existent in their tribe.
“I stand before you without two breasts, but I am healthy, my mind is in a good state. ... Lack of knowledge and ignorance is what kills most women,” Shongwe said.
First Lady Thobeka Madiba-Zuma expressed her passion for the HPV vaccine programme at the launch, saying she will do all she can to ensure that the programme is a success.
“Today South Africa is investing in the future of our young girls,” said Madiba-Zuma, who is the founder of the Tobeka Madiba-Zuma Foundation.
Free State MEC of Education Tate Makgoe encouraged parents to take their children’s health to heart.
“Wealth without health is useless. It will be painful to any parent to bury their children just when they have to graduate from university,” said Makgoe.
The launch was also supported by Free State Premier Ace Magashule, Health MEC Benny Malakoane and Mangaung Metro Municipality mayor Thabo Manyoni. - SAnews.gov.za
