How playing football can help protect girls from cervical cancer
The Goal Getter Campaign aims to increase awareness and trust in the HPV vaccine through soccer tournaments. This initiative was first introduced in Tanzania and Eswatini and later moved to Zimbabwe in December. The focus is on promoting cervical cancer…
The Goal Getter Campaign aims to increase awareness and trust in the HPV vaccine through soccer tournaments. This initiative was first introduced in Tanzania and Eswatini and later moved to Zimbabwe in December. The focus is on promoting cervical cancer vaccination among young girls.
The Lishoeshoe soccer club from Lesotho participated in a regional Under-17 girls’ tournament in Zimbabwe, designed to promote the HPV vaccine. Despite their loss to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, the event emphasized confidence-building in the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure against cervical cancer, which significantly impacts women globally, especially in Africa.
The tournament was organized by CAF, in collaboration with GAVI, and health ministries from various African countries. Approximately 200 girls from six countries participated. The HPV vaccine, administered free to girls aged 9 to 14, can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, according to GAVI.
Post-COVID-19 lockdowns, Africa has intensified HPV vaccination campaigns, increasing coverage from 28% in 2022 to 40% in 2023. The girls’ soccer tournament plays a crucial role in these efforts. GAVI spokesperson Olly Cann highlighted the campaign's ability to combine sport and health to create a supportive environment for young girls.
The Goal Getter Campaign aims to increase awareness and trust in the HPV vaccine through soccer tournaments.
The campaign’s launch included cultural activities, and mothers attending the tournament were also encouraged to vaccinate their children against HPV.
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus and the primary cause of cervical cancer. While most infections resolve naturally, some can lead to cancer. Cervical cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, with Africa bearing a significant burden. In Zimbabwe, cervical cancer is the leading cancer among women, resulting in approximately 2,000 deaths annually. The country has recently introduced a single-dose HPV vaccine to improve uptake.
Misinformation and stigma around reproductive health are significant barriers to HPV vaccination. Many families do not bring their children to clinics for vaccination due to religious beliefs and misconceptions. Health education is a critical component of the campaign to address these issues.
Soccer-based initiatives are seen as effective in bridging gaps in awareness. Nqobile Magwizi, president of Zimbabwe’s soccer association, emphasized the positive impact of such initiatives on communities.
Participant Nteboheleng Leticia Sooane underscored the importance of vaccination in preventing cervical cancer, advocating for widespread vaccine uptake to protect health.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
