A school health nurse from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness administers a free HPV vaccination during a visit to a public primary school.
The number of cervical cancer screening tests conducted at City of Cape Town health facilities has nearly doubled in the past year, from 14,581 in 2024/25 to 27,561 in 2025/26.
The City is encouraging eligible women to make use of the free cervical screening and other preventative health services at its clinics.
The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said cervical cancer remains a significant health concern in South Africa, but it is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and cervical screening (pap smears), while early detection allows for treatment.
“Women so often put the needs of others first, but their own health matters too. A check-up, a screening test, or simply speaking to a nurse about something that is worrying you can make a real difference. The increase in cervical screening is encouraging, and we want even more women to make use of the free services available at City clinics,” Higham said.
