Work

Advancing gender equity in HPV vaccination: A rule utilitarian case for including boys in South Africa’s national programme

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We examine whether South Africa’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme aligns with rule utilitarianism principles, considering ethical and societal dimensions. From a rule utilitarian perspective, we argue that the current policy should be revised to include boys because this change would generate greater overall benefit than the current exclusionary model. Specifically, we advocate for universal access to free HPV vaccinations for all eligible adolescents in South Africa. By using a framework grounded in rule utilitarianism, we aim to highlight the perceived unfairness and ethical concerns associated with excluding boys from the current school-based, free HPV vaccination programme. We assert that this exclusion undermines the programme’s broader public health benefits and moral justifiability.

Source: South African Journal of Bioethics and Law

DOI: 10.7196/sajbl.2025.v18i2.2782

Authors: V C Scheepers, J Gardner

Institution: University of the Witwatersrand

Language: English

Topic: Cervical Cancer and HPV Research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $296