Educate. Empower. Repeat - Human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness drive moves to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Dr Nono Ledwaba-Mweli, Medical Director of Universal Care

Following an inspiring response to its recent human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness campaign at Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Soshanguve Campus, Universal Healthcare is gearing up to extend its education and outreach efforts to students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).

According to Dr Nono Ledwaba-Mweli, Medical Director of Universal Care, more than 300 students stepped forward to learn about HPV during the first awareness drive at TUT, held in partnership with the National Department of Health, the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, and Merck Sharp & Dohme. 

“HPV infections are responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases, making it essential to equip young people not only with information about cervical cancer but also with clear, accurate knowledge about the HPV vaccine and its life-saving potential. The incredible turnout at our recent information-sharing event showed us something powerful: when individuals have access to trustworthy information in a supportive environment, they are motivated and ready to take charge of their own health. This eagerness to learn and act is precisely what we need to drive real change in preventing cervical cancer across our communities. 

“The energy and commitment we saw at TUT on 14 August were truly encouraging. It proved that awareness combined with action can make a real difference. But we’re not stopping here. Continuing this strong start, we are preparing to extend our HPV and its cervical cancer prevention drive to SMU next week, and we aim to reach even more students this time,” she adds. 

Why is HPV vaccination important?

• HPV vaccination prevents the strains responsible for nearly 70% of cervical cancers.
• Early vaccination before exposure to HPV offers the strongest protection.
• South Africa’s school-based vaccination programme has made great strides, yet gaps remain.
• Access and awareness are key – vaccination drives such as these help to close those gaps. 

“Cervical cancer affects thousands of South African women every year, but many don’t realise that vaccination is a powerful and simple way to prevent it. Raising awareness about the importance of screening and vaccination is key—every student who gets screened and vaccinated is taking a vital step toward protecting their health,” stresses Dr Nono. 

This latest initiative offers a fresh opportunity for students to ask questions and become advocates for health in their communities. Universal Healthcare and its partners are committed to raising awareness while providing accessible information to empower young people with the knowledge they need. 

“We want to keep the conversation going while raising awareness. Our goal is to make HPV awareness, screening, and vaccination the norm, not the exception,” concludes Dr Nono. 

On Monday, 22 September 2025, from 09:30 to 15:30, Universal Healthcare and its partners will be at SMU to connect with as many students as possible. They will be on hand to share information and answer questions. Students attending the upcoming drive can also enter a prize draw by scanning a QR code – a fun way to say thank you for taking part in this lifesaving initiative.