IN CONVERSATION WITH Dr LESLEY BAMFORD, acting Chief Director for Maternal, Women and Child’s Health.
Loading player...
South Africa will on Friday, 08 May 2026 officially launch the Strategy
for South Africa’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategic and
Implementation Framework 2026–2030, marking a significant step in
the country’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health
threat.
10:35
The launch comes against the backdrop of a significant disease
burden, with global estimates indicating that a woman dies from
cervical cancer approximately every two minutes. In South Africa,
cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related
deaths among women. In 2022 alone, approximately 11 000 women
were diagnosed with the disease, while around 6 000 died as a result.
The new national strategy aligns with the Global Strategy for the
Elimination of Cervical Cancer and sets out ambitious targets aimed at
strengthening prevention, early detection, and treatment. These include
ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against the Human
Papillomavirus by the age of 15, screening 70% of women using high-
performance tests by the ages of 35 and 45, and ensuring that 90% of
women with pre-cancer receive treatment, while 90% of those with
invasive cancer receive appropriate management.
The official launch will be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Minister of Health Dr Aaron
Motsoaledi, and other cabinet ministers. The event will also be
attended by international and local stakeholders, including
representatives from development partners such as the Director-
General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus, as well as leaders from labour unions, civil society, and
the private sector.
The launch will take place at the Moletsane Sports Complex in Soweto,
Johannesburg, and is scheduled to commence at 10h00 on Friday, 08
May 2026. The programme underscores government’s commitment to
strengthening public health systems and advancing women’s health
through prevention, early intervention, and improved access to
treatment.
for South Africa’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategic and
Implementation Framework 2026–2030, marking a significant step in
the country’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health
threat.
10:35
The launch comes against the backdrop of a significant disease
burden, with global estimates indicating that a woman dies from
cervical cancer approximately every two minutes. In South Africa,
cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related
deaths among women. In 2022 alone, approximately 11 000 women
were diagnosed with the disease, while around 6 000 died as a result.
The new national strategy aligns with the Global Strategy for the
Elimination of Cervical Cancer and sets out ambitious targets aimed at
strengthening prevention, early detection, and treatment. These include
ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against the Human
Papillomavirus by the age of 15, screening 70% of women using high-
performance tests by the ages of 35 and 45, and ensuring that 90% of
women with pre-cancer receive treatment, while 90% of those with
invasive cancer receive appropriate management.
The official launch will be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Minister of Health Dr Aaron
Motsoaledi, and other cabinet ministers. The event will also be
attended by international and local stakeholders, including
representatives from development partners such as the Director-
General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus, as well as leaders from labour unions, civil society, and
the private sector.
The launch will take place at the Moletsane Sports Complex in Soweto,
Johannesburg, and is scheduled to commence at 10h00 on Friday, 08
May 2026. The programme underscores government’s commitment to
strengthening public health systems and advancing women’s health
through prevention, early intervention, and improved access to
treatment.
