South Africa's bold public health initiative is paying off: a decade-long HPV vaccination programme has achieved remarkable success in protecting girls from cervical cancer, with nearly 9 in 10 eligible students receiving protection since the rollout began.

When South Africa introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in public schools in 2014, targeting grade 4 girls aged nine and older, the early numbers were impressive—87% of eligible girls received at least one dose in that first year alone. This high uptake set the stage for what's becoming a model vaccination programme, demonstrating that comprehensive, school-based approaches can effectively reach vulnerable populations and prevent serious disease. Read the full story →

Today's takeaway: Accessible vaccination programmes in schools can transform public health outcomes, proving that prevention at scale isn't just possible—it's powerful.