HPV vaccine rollout expands in South Africa's Western Cape and Scotland

In South Africa's Western Cape, nearly 37,000 Grade 5 girls received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the first half of 2026, part of a school‑based programme that also offers a TDaP booster. Health Minister Mireille Wenger urged parents to sign consent forms so children can access the free vaccine, stressing its role in preventing cervical cancer.

In Scotland, West Lothian MSP Angela Constance called on residents to maintain high HPV vaccination rates. Coverage in the area stands at about 78% for pupils up to S4, though national uptake has slipped from 93% in 2015/16 to 82.9% in 2024/25. The programme, running since 2008, has so far prevented any detected cervical cancer cases among fully vaccinated women, highlighting the importance of continued participation.