Vaccine Hesitancy Can’t Be Boiled down to a Single Factor: What We Learnt in South Africa and Brazil
Different social realities lead to different forms of vaccine hesitancy.
Vaccines
South African Scientists Make Breakthrough in Decoding Cancer’s Most Effective Survival Strategy
The goal is to develop treatments that can strip away the sugar shield cancer uses to hide from the immune system.
Unregulated and Unregistered Livestock Undermine FMD Control in Gauteng
(Debate in the Gauteng Legislature on foot-and-mouth disease) The continued spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Gauteng and the fact that much of the livestock in the province are unregulated and unregistered pose a serious risk to the province’s agricultural sector. Although the Department of Agriculture emphasises the roll-out of vaccines and other control measures, […]
The post Unregulated and unregistered livestock undermine FMD control in Gauteng appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The Bias in Medical Research: Africa Carries a Huge Disease Burden but Is Missing From Clinical Trials
While Africa accounts for roughly 25% of the global disease burden, its people are largely invisible in randomised controlled trials.
Dengue Fever Is a Growing Problem: Why It’s So Hard to Beat With Vaccines
In recent decades, cases have risen sharply in Africa as urbanisation, travel and climate change have expanded mosquito habitats.
African Countries Are Signing Bilateral Health Deals With the US: Virologist Identifies the ‘Red Flags’
African countries must not sign away their health data or release their pathogens in exchange for donor funding.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease Poll Reveals Complete Loss of Confidence
A recent poll conducted by the agricultural organisation Saai among farmers on the foot-and-mouth disease crisis unequivocally shows that farmers have completely lost confidence in the Department of Agriculture’s bureaucratic as well as political leadership. This should spark renewal within the department. The poll, with more than 2 000 individual participants, shows that 95% or […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease poll reveals complete loss of confidence: Could current crisis be the catalyst for renewal of the Agriculture Department? appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Much Like Zuma’s 2014 SONA, President Ramaphosa Tries to Tell a “Good Story”, While Country Collapses
President Cyril Ramaphosa borrowed a page from former President Jacob Zuma’s 2014 State of the Nation Address (SONA) tonight by boasting about the country’s “good story”. President Ramaphosa delivered his speech in his capacity as President of South Africa, but he remains President of the ANC. And wherever his party governs – in councils, provinces […]
The post Much like Zuma’s SONA in 2014, President Ramaphosa tries to tell a “good story”, while country collapses appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Practical and Urgent Proposals for the Western Cape
The current foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which has now spread to the Western Cape, requires a sober, coordinated and practical response that balances animal health, farming sustainability and national food security. The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Western Cape notes with approval the R100 million allocated by the provincial government for procuring vaccines. While […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease: practical and urgent proposals for the Western Cape appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The Cost of Racial Targets Becomes Clear When a Mere 13 000 Vaccines for 15 Million Cattle Gets Government Jumping for Joy
(Dr Wynand Boshoff, Freedom Front Plus MP and chief spokesperson on agriculture, provides an overview of factors that contributed to the development of the current foot-and-mouth disease crisis) If anything underscores the inadequacy of government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, it is last week’s proud announcement that the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) was able […]
The post The cost of racial targets becomes clear when a mere 13 000 vaccines for 15 million cattle gets government jumping for joy appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease: While Minister Bickers About State Control, Rural Economies Grind to a Halt
While the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, is defending government’s exclusive right to procure and administer foot-and-mouth disease vaccines in court, the economic crisis affecting rural communities keeps expanding. Most rural towns are primarily sustained by agriculture. Rural economies consist mainly of input suppliers, businesses that receive and process agricultural products, financial and personal […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease: while Minister bickers about state control, rural economies grind to a halt appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Immediate Action Needed in the Free State
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) provincial leader, Jan van Niekerk, and the Harrismith district farmers’ association met with the Free State MEC for Agriculture, Ms Elzabé Rockman, as well as key role players in the agricultural sector, including Dr Jurgens Barnard, Acting Director of State Veterinary Services, on Wednesday. The constructive discussion centred on […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease: Freedom Front Plus demands action in the Free State appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease: State of Disaster Request Begins
After the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) on Monday called for a state of disaster to be declared in response to the widespread outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, today announced that he will table this request with the next Cabinet meeting. It would unlock additional resources to combat the […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease: state of disaster to follow, as VF Plus requested appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Government’s Years of Dereliction of Duty
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) insists that a state of disaster be declared to contain the crisis of foot-and-mouth disease in the beef industry. This drastic step is warranted, because ministerial task teams’ recommendations have not been implemented since 2016. Foot-and-mouth disease is like any other contagious disease: if it is detected early and […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease: Government’s years of dereliction of duty warrants state of disaster declaration appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease Out of Control
While the economy is slowing down and South Africans look forward to spending the festive season with family, livestock farmers face a bleak festive season as foot-and-mouth disease causes massive financial losses. The Department of Agriculture is dragging its feet with enforcing legislation while more and more farmers are struggling to keep their heads above […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease out of control: Dark times ahead for livestock farmers appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
We Want to Help Get Agricultural Plan Back on Track for All South Africans’
It is crucial and in the best interest of everyone in South Africa that the agricultural sector functions optimally, therefore, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is willing to facilitate discussions to resolve the long-standing disputes surrounding the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP). An analysis of the points of contention and discussions with all […]
The post Freedom Front Plus wants to help get agricultural plan back on track for all South Africans’ sake appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Medical Refrigeration Vehicle Found Transporting Cement
Lesotho health ministry has suspended the driver
Here’s How The Global Health System Can Build Back Better After US Aid Cuts
To achieve global health for the future, the leadership must come not only from the US.
First Malaria Treatment for Babies Is a Major Step to Ending the Disease in Africa
A recently approved drug for malaria treatment offers hope to millions of children who suffer from the disease in Africa.
Operation Dudula Blocks Babies From Getting Vaccines
Vigilante group is controlling clinic queues in Johannesburg
Foot-And-Mouth Disease Detected at Large Feedlot – Disease Control at a Crossroads
One of South Africa’s largest feedlot groups, Karan Beef, informed its suppliers yesterday that it is imposing a temporary moratorium on purchases after foot-and-mouth disease was detected at one of its feedlots. This development is a crisis for the entire red meat industry in South Africa and impacts the whole southern part of Africa. Large […]
The post Foot-and-mouth disease detected at large feedlot – disease control at a crossroads appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue Between the French Republic and the Republic of South Africa
- The 9th Session of the Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue between the Republic of France and the Republic of South Africa was held in la Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025.
- The French and South African delegations were led respectively by Their Excellencies Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and Mr Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa.
- The talks reflected the warm and cordial relations of cooperation between the two countries. Views were exchanged on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.
On bilateral matters:
- The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the improved level of cooperation in the fields of basic and higher education, science and culture, environment, electricity and energy, trade and investment, transport and development and cyber criminality. The two parties highlighted the need for both countries to develop plans of action for the effective implementation of existing bilateral agreements.
- The two parties welcomed the ongoing negotiations and significant progress made in finalising bilateral agreements pertaining to cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, transport, protection of Crozet and Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Areas, maritime search and rescue as well as the creation of a Joint Ministerial Commission on international relations.
- The South African side expressed its continued gratitude to the French Republic for the numerous scholarship opportunities afforded to young South Africans to pursue educational opportunities in France. Both countries would continue to explore opportunities for further education and training, as well as the exchange of students and academics.
- To facilitate joint business trainings in South Africa and France, at the benefit of both countries, Their Excellencies Ministers Barrot and Lamola discussed a technical agreement in the field of Cooperation on Labour and Employment for Graduates and Young Professionals. The Ministers welcomed the development and look forward to the opportunities that will be created by the signature of the agreement.
- The South African side highlighted the important role played by France in terms of solidarity partnerships, particularly through the Just Energy Transition partnership (JET-P) and the Team Europe Initiative Manufacturing African Vaccines+ (MAV+). Both countries underlined the need for the JET-P to be continued and to contribute to South Africa's transition towards a decarbonized energy mix, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
On regional and international matters:
- The Ministers exchanged views on regional African issues of common interest, particularly the situation in Mozambique, the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Sudan. On Eastern-DRC, they agreed to pursue convergence of the various diplomatic efforts, towards a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict.
- The two parties exchanged views on the current geopolitical environment and agreed on the need to uphold multilateralism, and a rules-based multilateral system based on international law, in line with the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT congratulated South Africa for its G20 Presidency and reiterated France's support to its priorities, summarized in the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, noting that these priorities converge with the objectives of the French initiative of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet.
- Both parties addressed global issues, including climate change and biodiversity protection. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT underlined France's invitation to the President of the Republic of South Africa, HE Mr Matalema Cyril RAMAPHOSA, to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference taking place in Nice, from 9 to 13 June 2025.
- Regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both Ministers highlighted the need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine and stressed the importance of supporting an inclusive and peaceful approach to the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both Ministers advocated for a negotiated settlement, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, which include respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
- The crisis situation in the Palestinian territories and the Middle East was discussed. The French side was briefed on the status of the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT invited South Africa to participate to the international conference on the Two-State solution, in June 2025 in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
- The Ministers welcomed the upcoming visit by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Mr. Paul MASHATILE, to France from 21 May to 24 May 2025 a landmark opportunity to accelerate bilateral economic collaboration. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of key Ministers, this visit will spearhead the South Africa-France Investment Conference, a dynamic platform for fostering strategic partnerships and exploring innovative avenues for economic collaboration, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in France with robust participation from leading South African and French business entities. The Ministers are confident that this pivotal engagement will unlock new opportunities, deepen investment flows, and amplify trade synergies between the two nations.
- His Excellency Ronald O. LAMOLA expressed his heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, to the Government of the French Republic and people of France, for the warm and fraternal welcome, as well as the kindness and attention extended to him and his delegation during their stay in France. He further looked forward to welcoming the Minister to South Africa for the G20 Summit.
Done in La Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025
| For the French Republic | For the Republic of South Africa |
| H.E. Jean-Noël BARROT
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs |
H.E. Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
HPV Vaccination in Africa: Urgent Steps Needed to Address Low Uptake Amid Rising Hesitancy
HPV is fuelling high cervical cancer rates in sub-Saharan Africa despite the availability of effective vaccines. Yet uptake remains low, driven largely by vaccine hesitancy. In South Africa alone, most participants (71%) were hesitant to receive at least one of the vacines in the country, according to the Vaccine Confidence Report by MSD (www.MSD.co.za) and Prof. Hannelie Meyer, Head of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre. [1] The report was launched at the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and during the SSA HPV Media Roundtable held during World and Africa Immunisation Week (24–30 April 2025).
Cervical cancer, caused by persistent infection of HPV, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 94% of global cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa heavily affected. [2]
Studies indicate that, globally, about 12% of women with normal cervical cytology are found to have an HPV infection. This prevalence doubles to around 24% in sub-Saharan Africa. Young women under 25 are particularly vulnerable, with an HPV prevalence rate of 43.9% in Africa compared to the global rate of 19.2%. [3]
A 2023 report indicated that cervical cancer ranks as the 13th most frequent cancer among women in Egypt and the 9th most frequent among women aged 15 to 44 years. [4] In Kigali, Rwanda, before the national HPV vaccination programme, 54% of women aged 19 years and younger were found to have received an HPV-positive result. [5] The high mortality rate in Ghana further demonstrates the burden, with approximately 3,000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, resulting in around 2,000 deaths each year. [6]
Vaccine hesitancy, defined as a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite their availability, remains a challenge in the fight against preventable diseases such as cervical cancer. Misinformation, cultural beliefs, and accessibility issues further compound the low uptake of HPV vaccines. As global health organisations and local health authorities strive to eliminate preventable diseases, understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy has never been more urgent. [1]
Understanding vaccine hesitancy
The Vaccine Confidence Report highlights several drivers of HPV vaccine hesitancy, including safety concerns, mistrust in healthcare systems, and misinformation on social media. According to Prof. Meyer, despite clear scientific evidence, many still believe vaccines are harmful. [1] “This reluctance is troubling,” she said, “given the direct link between HPV and cervical cancer. Addressing these fears with credible information is vital to reducing the burden in sub-Saharan Africa.”
An external study titled 'Vaccine Hesitancy and Trust in sub-Saharan Africa' published in Scientific Reports in May 2023 examined vaccination behaviours and attitudes across six sub-Saharan African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study found that only about 10% of respondents reported receiving at least one HPV vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy rates varied across countries, with South Africa exhibiting the highest rate at 17.15% and Kenya the lowest at 8.3%. [7]
Impact of misinformation, funding gaps and immunisation disruption Misinformation remains a major driver of vaccine hesitancy in Africa, especially through online platforms. It has shaped public attitudes and eroded trust in immunisation programmes. At the same time, shifting global priorities and economic pressures have led to reduced funding for vaccination efforts, limiting access in low-income communities. [8] “Routine immunisation has saved millions of lives,” said Dr Alima Essoh, Regional Director of the Preventive Medicine Agency for Africa (AMP Africa). “When misinformation and resource constraints disrupt these efforts, we risk undoing decades of progress.” Expanding HPV vaccination is critical to reducing cervical cancer, but it requires tackling misinformation head-on and improving access across the continent.
Broader implications for public health
While HPV vaccination remains a key focus, vaccine hesitancy extends to other preventable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern by 2030, which includes ensuring that 90% of girls are fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15. [9] According to Prof Meyer, vaccine hesitancy threatens to derail this goal and broader efforts to achieve high immunisation rates for other preventable illnesses such as measles, polio, and influenza.
Rethinking the fight against HPV-related cervical cancer: Community action and vaccine confidence
Efforts to eliminate HPV and reduce HPV-related cervical cancer in Africa necessitate innovative, community-driven solutions. Dr Sabrina Kitaka, Senior Lecturer at Makerere University, states that engaging and accessible tools, such as comic books and school-based vaccination, have significantly enhanced vaccine uptake among young people. She adds that reminder systems, such as SMS and automated phone calls, help ensure adolescents complete the HPV vaccine schedule. If implemented on a large scale, these strategies could strengthen vaccine coverage across the region. She further states that, tackling vaccine hesitancy will require a coordinated approach involving governments, healthcare workers, civil society, and the private sector. This means improving health communication, building trust through local partnerships, and tailoring outreach to meet communities where they are.
“There is no time to waste,” says Prof. Meyer. “We must work together to share accurate information, address concerns, and make vaccines truly accessible. Only then can we protect future generations from preventable diseases.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers in this document are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MSD.
References
- MSD South Africa., Meyer, JC. 2025. Vaccination Hesitancy Study. Accessed 07 April 2025
- ‘Human papillomavirus and cancer', World Health Organization, 5 March 2024: http://apo-opa.co/3Glx3fK.
- High Burden of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Among Young Women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa' PLOS One, 19 January 2016: https://apo-opa.co/4cTdfNc. Accessed 07 April 2025.
- ‘Egypt HPV and Related Cancers, Fact sheet 2023, https://apo-opa.co/3YMStZv? Accessed 2 April 2025.
- ‘Human papillomavirus infection in Rwanda at the moment of implementation of a national HPV vaccination programme', National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology Information, 24 May 2016: https://apo-opa.co/4jORArD. Accessed 07 April 2025.
- ‘Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases Report', HPV Information Centre, 10 March 2023: https://apo-opa.co/3RzzoGn. Accessed 07 April 2025.
- ‘Vaccine hesitancy and trust in sub-Saharan Africa', Scientific Reports (https://apo-opa.co/4jGlMVQ), 13 May 2024: https://apo-opa.co/4cQyUp9. Accessed 10 April 2025.
- UNICEF, Global immunization coverage stalled in 2021, leaving millions of children unprotected – WHO and UNICEF, 2022: http://apo-opa.co/3RTv3OB.
- WHO. HPV & Cancer. Available at: Human papillomavirus and cancer (http://apo-opa.co/4cSGTSM). Accessed: 07 April 2025
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MSD.
REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ADVERSE EVENTS OR PRODUCT QUALITY COMPLAINTS TO DPOC SOUTH AFRICA:
dpoc.zaf@msd.com
Tel: +27 (0)11 655 3000.
www.MSD.co.za
SA Has World Class Medical Researchers – They Can and Should Be Bailed Out
Medical scientists at the University of Cape Town have been hit especially hard by funding cuts made by the US government. South Africa has many of the world’s best HIV and TB researchers. Until recently, this research excellence was widely recognised by the fact that local research groups kept winning grants to conduct critically important …