South Africa: The Health Department Should Explain When Boys Will Be Considered for HPV Vaccination

What the report says

South Africa’s health department is being urged to explain how it will decide whether boys should be included in the public human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme. In an opinion piece for Spotlight, Professor Colleen Aldous argues that any review should weigh the health protection boys could receive, the cost of adding them, and the continuing need to improve vaccination uptake among girls and cervical cancer screening and treatment for women.

The article says WHO prequalification of the gender-neutral vaccine Cervavac creates a timely reason to revisit policy, although it does not mean South Africa has registered, bought or scheduled the vaccine. It notes that the country’s cervical cancer elimination framework for 2026-2030 already leaves open the possibility of vaccinating boys when feasible. South Africa’s current HPV programme began in 2014 and now targets girls in public, private and independent schools. The piece cites research showing strong reductions in HPV types 16 and 18 among vaccinated groups.

A key point in the article is that a girls-only strategy does not protect everyone equally, especially men who have sex with men. It also highlights differences among HPV vaccines and says policymakers should compare coverage, price and delivery capacity before expanding eligibility. The author says routine vaccination should be matched by stronger follow-up for girls who miss doses and by better reporting on cervical screening outcomes and treatment access for women.

The article frames the debate as both a public health and resource-allocation issue, with the final decision resting with South Africa’s National Department of Health.