11/02/2026
. Prof Helen Rees, Chairperson WHO AFRO-Regional Immunisation Technical Advisory Group, delivering the academic and research statement of support for the eliminination of cervical cancer.
"South Africans have played a leading role in shaping the global response to cervical cancer. More than a decade ago, I joined Dr Nono Simelela, who convened the first WHO meeting in Geneva that laid the foundation for the Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy. Since then, South Africa’s Minister of Health has been a strong advocate on the global stage, culminating in the World Health Assembly’s adoption of this strategy.
I speak on behalf of academia, which forms an important part of civil society. South Africa is internationally recognised for its HIV research, which has contributed to the development of new treatments and has shaped both national and global HIV programmes. Our research priorities are driven by the needs of South Africans, while also offering solutions relevant to the region and the world. Less recognised is the critically important role that the South African research community plays in the development of technologies and strategies aimed at preventing, detecting, and treating cancer of the cervix.
As South Africa carries the heaviest burden of HIV disease worldwide, a key area of focus has been the intersection between HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV). Research has shown that women living with HIV—particularly those who are immunocompromised—are more likely to be infected with multiple high-risk HPV types, to develop cervical cancer at a younger age, and to experience more aggressive disease with poorer outcomes. These findings have been critical in shaping cervical cancer prevention strategies for all women.
Research does not happen in isolation. Wits RHI, where I work, is based in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, in repurposed inner-city buildings transformed into world-class research facilities. We work in this setting because our research is rooted in the communities we serve and those most affected by the health challenges we study. Many studies require participation from diverse populations across different demographics and geographies, which is why HPV research is conducted in many provinces, both urban and rural.
All studies are conducted in partnership with communities, guided by community advisory committees that help shape protocols and oversee how research is carried out. South African researchers have contributed to every component of the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy. The country has led important HPV vaccine studies, addressing questions critical for Africa, such as whether vaccines are effective in women living with HIV and whether a single dose of the HPV vaccine can provide sufficient protection. Social science research has explored vaccine acceptability, barriers to uptake, and ways to address access challenges. Together, this body of work has demonstrated that HPV vaccines are safe, highly effective, and impactful at a population level.
Another pillar of the elimination strategy is screening to detect HPV infection and identify precancerous or cancerous lesions. The National Department of Health’s commitment to introducing HPV DNA testing offers a more sensitive and potentially simpler approach than traditional cytology-based screening. Research conducted in South Africa has also shown that HPV self-testing is feasible and accurate when women and healthcare workers are appropriately trained, offering an opportunity to expand access to screening.
South Africa has also benefited from dedicated champions for improved treatment of precancerous and cancerous lesions, including the late Professor Lynn Denny and Dr Carol Thomas. Their legacy reminds us that research must underpin every new strategy—helping us understand disease patterns, develop safe and effective vaccines, treatments, and screening tools, and design programmes that are acceptable, practical, and scalable.
Today, we have heard from civil society and from women who are cervical cancer survivors and advocates. Their message is clear: we must do more to inform women and communities about vaccination, screening, and treatment. Understanding how best to do this is itself a research question—and one that demands urgent attention.
South Africa is a sovereign country with a strong and independent health research community. The final message is simple: rigorous, independent science that responds to the needs of individuals and communities is essential—not only for eliminating cervical cancer, but for safeguarding the health of South Africans and contributing to global public health."
WHO South Africa World Health Organization African Region Wits RHI SANAC SANAC Higher Health SA Soul City Institute LifeLine South Africa loveLife BWise SABC News Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism
