Mali vaccination against HPV: a year of progress and challenges
One year after introducing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Mali, the initiative is gaining momentum. In Bamako and surrounding areas, an increasing number of 10-year-old girls are receiving their protective dose against cervical cancer. While challenges such as misinformation, logistical hurdles, and hesitancy persist, healthcare workers, associations, and families celebrate a significant milestone for women’s health.
Breaking barriers through education and trust
In Korofina, Bamako, a community meeting brings together women and young girls at the local civil registry office. Midwife Amin Dem leads the discussion. «At first, there was a lot of reluctance. Girls were afraid, and so were parents. But through awareness campaigns, things have changed,» she explains.
The primary concern remains the myth that the vaccine causes infertility. «Taking the time to explain, especially in their local language, makes all the difference,» Amin Dem notes.
A groundbreaking step in cervical cancer prevention
Introduced in November 2024, the HPV vaccine represents a turning point for Mali. With a single-dose regimen now providing full protection, over 145,000 10-year-old girls were vaccinated between January and September 2025. Of these, more than 113,000 were in school, while approximately 32,400 out-of-school girls were reached. Authorities acknowledge the need for additional efforts to include more out-of-school girls, who are often at higher risk of being overlooked.
Dr. Ibrahima Téguété, a gynecologist-obstetrician at CHU du Point G, highlights how this progress aligns with the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women at two key ages, and ensuring treatment access for 90% of those with lesions. «The vaccine’s introduction is a great achievement. It finally allows us to focus on primary prevention,» he says. However, he acknowledges system limitations: «We only have one radiotherapy unit. Reaching the final ‘90’ will be difficult.»
Community mobilization drives success
While the campaign relies on public health structures, civil society plays a crucial role. In Bamako, the NGO Solidaris223 has conducted numerous awareness sessions since the launch. «We’ve reached every district. Mothers came to ask where they could vaccinate their daughters,» shares its president, Amina Dicko.
At the Djiguiya Center in Bamako, 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.
Adolescents like Awa share their experiences. «I was scared of the needle, but it was over quickly. I’m happy because it protects us for the future,» she says. Haby, vaccinated at school, adds: «The teacher explained why it’s important. I asked my mother, and she reassured me. I’m proud to be vaccinated.» Dr. Téguété emphasizes the collective commitment: «Initial supplies were used quickly. This proves there’s a shared will to make it work.»
Myths still fuel hesitancy, but change is happening
Rumors about fertility continue to fuel some resistance. «Some claim the vaccine is meant to harm us. That’s completely false,» Dr. Téguété insists. Amin Dem observes daily changes: «Now, some mothers come on their own to ask for the vaccine. Explanations make all the difference.»
Fannata Dicko’s story illustrates this shift. «I vaccinated my daughter because cervical cancer is a grave disease. My mother-in-law succumbed to it this year. Watching her suffer was heartbreaking. Prevention is the only way to ensure my daughter never has to endure this.»
Despite progress, vaccine deployment faces challenges. «Travel between Mopti and Gao is sometimes impossible by road,» Dr. Téguété notes. To overcome this, some supplies are airlifted to regional capitals.
Ensuring equitable access through free vaccination
The vaccine remains entirely free for all 10-year-old girls, thanks to joint efforts by the government and technical and financial partners, including Gavi, which ensures reduced costs for the country. This free access guarantees equity, even in remote areas. «If we maintain this effort for a few more years, we’ll have vaccinated all girls aged 9 to 14,» the specialist estimates.
A hopeful future despite ongoing 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. However, misinformation remains a major obstacle. «What people don’t know, they fear. We must keep explaining, informing, and talking,» Dr. Téguété stresses.
He also praises the involvement of religious leaders. «Their support has reassured many families.» In Bamako, the results are evident: parents are more confident, and more girls are getting vaccinated. «Bamako isn’t all of Mali, but it’s a good indicator of what we can achieve together,» he says.
Amin Dem echoes this optimism. «Before, people asked why we were talking about cancer here. Now, they 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, there’s a woman saved.»
