Health Systems Trust - HST

06/02/2026

On 4 February, World Cancer Day was celebrated under the theme “United by Unique: Every journey is different. Together, we are stronger.” To honour this day, the Department of Health hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Meeting on the Elimination of Cervical Cancer: A Strategic and Implementation Framework 2026–2030. This event served as a lead-up to the release of the new Cervical Cancer Strategic Implementation Framework, which will be launched in the coming months.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in the world, yet it remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, with women living with HIV at a much higher risk of developing the disease. Speakers at the event emphasised the words of Lyn Denny, who is globally renowned for her work in cervical cancer, that “no woman should die from cervical cancer because she did not have access to screening.”

During his keynote address, the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, highlighted that significant progress has been made in the fight against cervical cancer: six million girls have been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) since 2014, and 88% of schools had been covered by 2024. To date, only girls in public schools have been vaccinated due to budget constraints, but roll-out will begin to private, independent and special schools. Two thousand clinics across the country are also offering DNA screening, representing a significant advancement in screening technology. However, the Minister noted that gaps remain: stigma and misinformation hamper parental consent for HPV testing; rural screening coverage stands at only 38.7%; treatment delays persist; radiotherapy is not available at all hospitals; and some women are lost in the health system. The new policy framework will seek to address these challenges.

Health Systems Trust Director: Health Systems Strengthening, Dr Bulelani Kuwane, along with Dr Sithembile Nqeketo from WHO South Africa, facilitated a group discussion on supporting the elimination of cervical cancer through an integrated approach to screening. This robust discussion focused on identifying solutions to barriers that affect the uptake of screening. Suggested solutions included better education for healthcare providers and patients; clearer instructions to patients on what happens after screening; linking HPV vaccination of girls to screening for mothers; routine implementation of self-sampling; strengthening mobile services and outreach to bring services closer to communities; integrating cervical cancer screening with HIV screening; and training Community Health Workers in cervical cancer screening. Dr Kuwane also highlighted that, in the digital age, digital registers have become essential tools.

The discussions underscored that eliminating cervical cancer requires coordinated action across prevention, screening, treatment and follow-up. With strengthened collaboration, improved access, and an integrated approach, South Africa is well positioned to accelerate progress towards the elimination of cervical cancer.

05/02/2026

SAHR CALL FOR ABSTRACTS 2026 - EXTENDED DEADLINE!
2 March 2026

There is still time to submit your abstract to the South African Health Review under the theme of *Advancing the Elimination of HIV in South Africa*.

We welcome abstracts that:
• document and critically assess South Africa’s HIV programmes and policies;
• examine the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of interventions;
• analyse persistent challenges and propose solutions;
• provide insights from researchers, implementers, policymakers, clinicians, and civil society leaders.

Access the abstract template here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKUtqADQWR2_ULu0dV995vnQxIUFf4OXdUB6Img7tq0kPJ9g/viewform

Health Systems Trust - HST
UCT Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health
UKZN's College of Health Sciences
CAPRISA
Wits RHI
Africa Health Research Institute

26/01/2026

SAHR 2026 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
As we contemplate South Africa's significant progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care this World AIDS Day, the South African Health Review (SAHR) invites abstract submissions for a special edition dedicated to examining South Africa’s efforts to eliminate HIV.

This edition will provide a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of the programmes, policies, innovations, and system-level interventions shaping the country’s trajectory toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. Submit your abstract here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKUtqADQWR2_ULu0dV995vnQxIUFf4OXdUB6Img7tq0kPJ9g/viewform

21/01/2026

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa—yet it is largely preventable. HPV vaccination, early screening, and targeted care for women living with HIV can save lives and strengthen communities. In a new article, Health Systems Trust - HST CEO Dr. Ntombi Sigwebela, and MSD South Africa’s Managing Director Zwelethu Bashman, highlight why prioritising these high-risk groups, closing vaccination gaps, and integrating services is not only a health priority but also a moral, social, and economic imperative. Explore actionable strategies and regional lessons to accelerate cervical cancer elimination by reading the full article here: https://social-tv.co.za/education-and-training/protect-hiv-positive-unvaccinated-women-now/

Cervical cancer is preventable, yet remains a leading killer of women in South Africa. A rights-based, equity-led policy approach is urgently needed.

08/12/2025

Health Systems Trust and Africa Health Business hosted a Cervical Cancer Elimination Policy Dialogue at the G20 Social Summit, bringing together government, global health leaders, and civil society to drive action against a preventable disease that still claims over 6,000 lives in South Africa each year. Speakers highlighted progress on HPV vaccination, the shift to a single-dose schedule, and the need to expand HPV DNA testing and decentralised treatment. With screening rates still low and financing gaps persisting, partners underscored the urgency of accelerating implementation, strengthening data systems, and ensuring dignified, equitable care for all women. Grateful to MSD, Abbott, and Roche for their collaboration.

MSD GCC Roche Abbott

05/12/2025

South Africa has a significant HIV burden, with around 8 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), representing about 13-19% of the population. Adolescent girls and young women (age 15-24) face a disproportionately high HIV burden, with recent data showing high prevalence (around 7%) and substantial new infections.

On 2 December, Osindisweni Hospital in eThekwini commemorated World AIDS Day under the theme “Renewed Efforts and Sustainable Commitment to End AIDS”, aligned with the 2026 16 Days of Activism theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End GBVF.”

Mr Philani Bhengu, Health Systems Strengthening Project Manager at Health Systems Trust, delivered a strong call to action, highlighting the link between HIV and gender-based violence (GBV). He reminded attendees of the progress made through ART, U=U, and prevention tools like condoms, PrEP and PEP, but stressed that renewed commitment is needed to tackle stigma, inequality and violence.

He emphasised that GBV is both a cause and consequence of HIV, urging communities—especially men and boys—to take responsibility, reject abuse, and help build safe, dignified spaces for women and girls.
Community members were encouraged to know their status, stay on treatment, and use prevention options, while stakeholders were called to strengthen partnerships and ensure accessible, stigma-free services.

Mr Bhengu closed with a powerful message: Ending AIDS means ending violence, ending stigma, and ensuring everyone can live healthy, safe and empowered.

04/12/2025

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

HST stands in solidarity with communities across South Africa as we raise our voices against all forms of violence and discrimination.

01/12/2025

This World AIDS Day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening HIV prevention, treatment, and support for all communities.

01/12/2025

HST blog article: Empowered communities will ensure the resilience and sustainability of our HIV response

Like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa's progress towards HIV and TB epidemic control has been dislodged by cuts in foreign aid, and several key aspects of our national response have been compromised – but this cannot thwart our efforts.

As Winnie Byanyima (UNAIDS Executive Director) has urged, we "must choose transformation over retreat".

In tandem with diversifying funding sources through international and bilateral agreements, we can build on what we know and have proved in the field as evidence-based, culturally appropriate interventions that have demonstrably saved lives. This will help to fulfil the World AIDS Day 2025 theme of 'overcoming disruption and transforming the AIDS response'.

Read more: https://www.hst.org.za/media/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=301

28/11/2025

The South African Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, addresses Cervical Cancer Elimination Dialogue at Social G20 Summit

On 18 November, the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi delivered the keynote address at a Cervical Cancer Elimination policy dialogue in Johannesburg. Health Systems Trust and Africa Health Business supported the Department of Health South Africa, and the World Health Organization to convene the dialogue to advance collaboration and momentum on this urgent public health priority. Cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa, claiming nearly 6 000 lives annually and more than 350 000 lives globally.

Earlier this year, South Africa co-sponsored the resolution to institutionalise World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, now observed globally on 17 November - a testament to the country's leadership and commitment.

South Africa is accelerating efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, guided by clear priorities and strong leadership. The Minister of Health reminded participants at the dialogue that “cervical cancer is not only preventable, it is a matter of equity.”

South Africa’s commitment to the WHO 90-70-90 targets is a powerful promise to protect the health and futures of women and girls nationwide.

The dialogue was about collective action, with a call for Governments, civil society, private sector, and development partners to work together to:
- Mobilise resources and innovative financing.
- Share best practices and lessons learned.
- Build capacity at all levels of the health system.