Vaccination VPH Mali one year progress and challenges
Mali’s HPV vaccination drive gains momentum one year after launch
One year after introducing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Mali, the initiative is gathering pace. In Bamako and surrounding areas, more 10-year-old girls are receiving their cancer-preventing doses. While challenges like misinformation, hesitancy and logistical hurdles persist, health workers, NGOs and families celebrate a major milestone for women’s health.
On October 30 in Bamako’s Korofina district, a community information session brings together women and girls at the local civil registry. Midwife Amin Dem opens the discussion. « At first, there was a lot of resistance. Girls were afraid, and so were parents. But with awareness-raising, things have changed, » she explains.
She highlights lingering concerns about fertility myths. « When you take the time to explain—especially in their local languages—they understand. »
a transformative step in cervical cancer prevention
Launched in November 2024, the HPV vaccine represents a turning point for Mali. The single-dose schedule now provides full protection, enabling over 145,000 10-year-old girls to be vaccinated between January and September 2025. More than 113,000 were in school, while around 32,400 out-of-school girls were reached. Authorities acknowledge the need for extra efforts to include this often-overlooked group, which faces higher risk.
Dr. Ibrahima Téguété, obstetrician-gynecologist at CHU du Point G, sees this progress aligning Mali closer to WHO’s 90-70-90 targets: vaccinate 90% of girls against HPV, screen 70% of women at key ages, and ensure treatment for 90% of those with lesions. « Introducing the vaccine is a huge achievement. It finally lets us act at the primary prevention level, » he says. However, he notes system limitations: « We have only one radiotherapy unit. Reaching the final ‘90’ will remain difficult. »
community mobilization drives success
While public health structures lead the campaign, civil society plays a crucial role. In Bamako, NGO Solidaris223 has held sensitization sessions across all districts. « Mothers came to ask where to vaccinate their daughters, » says 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, » reports director Ms. Togo Mariam Sidibé.
Teenagers share their own perspectives. Awa, 10, says: « I was scared of the needle, but it went quickly. I’m happy because it protects us for the future. » Haby, vaccinated at school, adds: « The teacher explained why it matters. I asked my mom, and she reassured me. I’m proud to be vaccinated. » For Dr. Téguété, these stories reflect collective commitment: « Initial supplies were used up rapidly. That shows real will to make this work. »
addressing lingering hesitancy
Despite progress, fertility-related rumors still fuel some resistance. « Some claim the vaccine harms girls. That’s completely false, » insists Dr. Téguété. Amin Dem sees daily evidence of change: « Now, some mothers come on their own to ask for the vaccine. Once you explain properly, everything shifts. »
Fannata Dicko’s story illustrates this shift. « I vaccinated my daughter because cervical cancer is deadly. My mother-in-law died from it this year—watching her suffer made me realize prevention is the only option. I won’t let my daughter go through that. »
Challenges remain. « Between Mopti and Gao, road travel is sometimes impossible, » Dr. Téguété admits. To overcome this, some shipments are airlifted to regional capitals.
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The vaccine remains completely free for all 10-year-old girls, thanks to state and partner efforts—including Gavi, which secures reduced-cost supplies. This ensures equitable access even in remote areas. « If we maintain this effort for a few more years, we’ll have vaccinated every girl aged 9 to 14, » the specialist predicts.
hope on the horizon despite obstacles
Prevention efforts aren’t new. Between 2016 and 2022, the Weekend 70 program raised cervical cancer screening rates in Bamako from 15% to over 70%. But misinformation remains a major barrier. « What people don’t know, they fear. We must keep explaining, informing, talking, » Dr. Téguété stresses.
He praises religious leaders’ involvement: « Their support has reassured countless families. » In Bamako, results are visible—parents are more confident, and more girls are getting vaccinated. « Bamako isn’t all of Mali, but it’s a strong indicator of what we can achieve together. »
Amin Dem shares this optimism. « Before, people asked why we were talking about cancer here. Now, they come seeking answers. »
For health professionals and associations, the HPV vaccine marks the beginning of a profound transformation in Malian women’s health. As Dr. Téguété puts it: « Every vaccinated girl represents a woman saved. »
