Breaking ground in cervical cancer prevention

Launched in November 2024, the HPV vaccine represents a significant turning point for Mali. With the single-dose schedule now providing complete protection, over 145,000 ten-year-old girls were vaccinated between January and September 2025. More than 113,000 of these girls are enrolled in school, while approximately 32,400 out-of-school girls also received the vaccine. Health authorities acknowledge that additional efforts are needed to reach the latter group, which often faces the greatest risk of being overlooked.

Dr. Ibrahima Téguété, a gynecologist-obstetrician at CHU du Point G, notes that this progress aligns Mali with the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women at key ages, and ensuring treatment access for 90% of those with lesions. « The introduction of the vaccine is a major satisfaction. It allows us to finally take primary prevention action, » he states. However, he remains realistic about system limitations: « We only have one radiotherapy unit. Reaching the final ’90’ will still be difficult. »

Community mobilization drives success

While public health structures spearhead the campaign, civil society plays a crucial role. In Bamako, the NGO Solidaris223 has conducted numerous awareness sessions since the launch. « We’ve intervened in all communes. Mothers came to ask where they could vaccinate their daughters, » explains its president, Amina Dicko.

At Bamako’s Centre Djiguiya, an entire day was dedicated to vaccination. « Seventy boarding school girls received their dose, and none experienced side effects, » confirms director Mme Togo Mariam Sidibé.

Teenagers themselves are sharing their experiences. Ten-year-old Awa says: « I was afraid of the needle, but it went quickly. I’m happy because it protects us for the future. »

Haby, vaccinated at school, adds: « My teacher explained why this is important. I asked my mother, and she reassured me. I’m proud to be vaccinated. » For Dr. Téguété, these initiatives demonstrate stakeholder commitment: « The initial supplies were used up very quickly. This proves there’s a collective will. »

Overcoming persistent hesitancy

Rumors about fertility continue to fuel some resistance. « Some claim the vaccine is meant to harm us. This is completely false, » insists Dr. Téguété. Amin Dem witnesses this change daily: « Today, some mothers come on their own to request the vaccine. When we take the time to explain, everything changes. »

Fannata Dicko’s story illustrates this shift. « I vaccinated my daughter because cervical cancer is a serious disease. My mother-in-law suffered from it this year and passed away. I saw with my own eyes how much a woman can suffer when affected. So I chose prevention so my daughter would never have to face this later. »

Despite progress, vaccine deployment faces challenges. « Between Mopti and Gao, road travel is sometimes impossible, » acknowledges Dr. Téguété. To overcome these obstacles, some supplies are airlifted to regional capitals.

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The vaccine remains completely free for all ten-year-old girls, a measure maintained through joint efforts by the government and technical and financial partners, particularly Gavi, which enables reduced-cost access. This gratuity ensures equitable access even in remote areas. « If we can maintain this effort for a few more years, we’ll vaccinate all girls aged 9 to 14, » estimates the specialist.

Hope on the horizon despite challenges

Prevention efforts aren’t new. Between 2016 and 2022, the Weekend 70 program increased cervical cancer screening rates from 15% to over 70% in Bamako district. But misinformation remains a major obstacle. « What people don’t know, they fear. We must continue explaining, informing, and discussing, » insists Dr. Téguété.

He also praises the involvement of religious leaders. « Their support has greatly reassured families. » In Bamako, results are visible: parents are more confident, and more girls are receiving the vaccine. « Bamako isn’t all of Mali, but it’s a good indicator of what we can achieve together. »

Amin Dem shares this optimism. « Before, people asked why we were talking about cancer here. Today, people come seeking answers. »

For professionals and associations alike, the HPV vaccine marks the beginning of a profound transformation in women’s health in Mali. As Dr. Téguété reminds us, « Behind every vaccinated girl is a woman saved. »