South Africa: Gauteng Reports 29% Increase in Cervical Cancer Screenings
[SAnews.gov.za] As the country commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is celebrating a 29% increase in cervical cancer screenings across the province.
Gauteng, South Africa, has seen a 29% increase in cervical cancer screenings over the past financial year, according to the Gauteng Department of Health. A total of 198,611 women were screened in the 2025/26 fiscal year, compared to 153,703 in the previous year. This progress is attributed to cervical cancer awareness campaigns implemented across the province's five districts.
West Rand experienced the most significant improvement, while Ekurhuleni is targeted for further intervention to boost screening rates. Despite this progress, the department emphasizes that there is still work to be done to ensure every eligible woman understands the importance of screening and can access the service. The department's single-dose HPV vaccination campaign is also ongoing, targeting Grade-5 girls aged nine years and older.
The campaign has vaccinated 72,249 girls in public schools and 9,740 in independent schools so far this fiscal year. The department encourages women to get screened, as early detection can prevent cervical cancer, and urges them to seek medical attention if they experience abnormal symptoms.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
