Cervical cancer kills more South African adolescents and women aged 15 to 44 than any other cancer. It can be successfully treated, if caught early enough but, it’s far better to prevent it in the first place.
This week sees the start of the Department of Health’s first round of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccinations for girls between 9 and 14 which is why Bonitas Medical Fund is putting the spotlight on HPV and cervical cancer and the importance of the HPV Vaccination.
Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical and Managed Care Executive at Bonitas, provides some insights and important information about cervical cancer - caused by persistent infection with certain HPVs - why it is essential to screen for the virus and the vaccination that can help prevent it.
As recommended by The World Health Organization (WHO), the HPV vaccine is 2 doses for females aged 9 to 14 years and 3 doses for females aged 15 to 26 years, per lifetime. Bonitas covers the HPV vaccine for its members, across all plans.