Instead of talking about running and stretching, the Roodepoort Athletics Stadium was discussion all things medical.
City of Joburg’s health practitioners arrived at the Roodepoort Athletics Stadium this past Saturday fully prepared to talk about cervical cancer and vaccine known as Human papillomavirus (HPV1) to sport girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years.
This is an indication that the campaign against cervix cancer that the CoJ Health Services has embarked on since last year mainly targeting public school girls is gaining momentum. When girls were asked questions about HPV, they assertively explained that this vaccine prevent cancer.
Some said that they are scared because some families lost their loved ones to cancer. Surely, justified because it is reported that despite scientific progress, cervical cancer continue to have a devastating impact on women worldwide, with an estimated 400, 000 to 570, 000 women developing cervical cancer and 200,000 dying from this disease each year.
The impact is more on low and middle income households. The research included that effective vaccine would reduce the probability of acquiring persistent infection. Among those who listened to the presentation was Motlalepule Molale, a parent of one of the girls.
She said: “I am one of those parents who was skeptical about this vaccine that was given particularly to young girls. It is quite interesting to learn today more about this vaccine.
“My daughter is involved in sport and it helps for them to learn. Most often it is thought that those who are doing sport are healthy and that might not be the case, hence it is important to share information with parents too.”
The commitment of going an extra mile to talk to sport girls about this cancer is a display of commitment from the City’s Services. Rose Lengwale said: “Engaging young girls on reproductive health is helpful to affirm and equip them with knowledge that could assist to prevent cancer. Sharing information about HPV1 could lower fears and burdens attributed to cervical cancer.”
Acting Assistant Director Sport and Recreation Kallie Kruger said: “Through sport activities we are able to create an environment where one is taught life skills such as fair play, respect, team-spirit and how to overcome challenges. That is why an initiative to drive the cervix cancer campaign was deemed fit to be part of our #Cyazeevocacoca programme.”
