JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's National Department of Health on Monday launched its annual human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign to protect young girls from cervical cancer.

Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer affecting women in South Africa, with more than 5,700 new cases and over 3,000 deaths recorded annually.

The risk is heightened by South Africa's high HIV burden, as weakened immune systems increase the likelihood of persistent HPV infections, the spokesperson added.

"The success of the campaign to protect girls from this preventable, yet deadly disease hinges on stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly parents and caregivers, who are required to complete the vaccination consent forms issued by schools to eligible girl learners," he said.

Healthcare workers would be visiting schools during the vaccination campaign. "Millions of girls in South Africa have received the HPV vaccine without any serious side effects," Mohale added. ■