HPV vaccination efforts focus on cancer prevention in Latvia and South Africa

Health authorities and researchers are highlighting the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer. In Latvia, the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) is urging parents to vaccinate their children before the school year begins to avoid scheduling difficulties. Data from August 12 shows that 54.7% of children born in 2012 and 2013 have received the first dose, while 42.8% have received the second dose.

In South Africa, research conducted in the Mpumalanga and Free State provinces examined caregiver decision-making regarding the national school-based HPV programme. The study found that while caregivers generally hold positive attitudes toward the vaccine, primarily due to its role in preventing cervical cancer, barriers such as safety concerns, limited access to information, and cultural or religious factors contribute to vaccine hesitancy.