Amin Dem, a midwife in Bamako’s Korofina district, recalls the early days of resistance when both girls and parents feared the vaccine. « At the start, there was a lot of hesitation. Girls were afraid, and so were their parents. But through awareness-raising, things have changed, » she explains. Today, she notes that many mothers now actively seek the vaccine for their daughters once they understand its purpose.

a landmark step forward in cancer prevention

The HPV vaccine, introduced in November 2024, marks a pivotal moment for Mali’s public health. 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 roughly 32,400 out-of-school girls were reached—a critical step, as these girls are often at higher risk of being overlooked.

Dr. Ibrahima Téguété, a gynecologist-obstetrician at CHU du Point G, sees this progress as bringing Mali closer to the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women at key ages, and providing treatment to 90% of those with lesions. « The vaccine’s introduction is a major achievement—it finally lets us act at the primary prevention stage, » he says. Still, he acknowledges the system’s limitations: « We have only one radiotherapy unit. The final ‘90’ will remain difficult to reach. »

collective action drives success

While public health structures are central to the campaign, civil society plays a vital role. In Bamako, the NGO Solidaris223 has led sensitization sessions since the launch. « We’ve worked in every district. Mothers came to ask where they could 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, » confirms director Mme Togo Mariam Sidibé.

Adolescents themselves are spreading the word. Awa, 10, shares: « I was scared of the needle, but it was quick. I’m happy because it protects us for the future. » 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. » For Dr. Téguété, these stories reflect strong collective will: « Initial supplies were used up quickly. That shows real commitment. »

misinformation persists, but fading

Rumors linking the vaccine to infertility still fuel some resistance. « Some claim it’s a way to harm us. That’s completely false, » insists Dr. Téguété. Amin Dem sees daily proof of changing attitudes: « Today, some mothers come on their own to ask for the vaccine. Once you take the time to explain—especially in their language—everything changes. »

Fannata Dicko’s experience illustrates this shift. « I vaccinated my daughter because cervical cancer is a serious disease. My mother-in-law died from it this year. I’ve seen first-hand how much suffering it causes. Prevention is the only way to ensure my daughter never has to face this. »

Despite progress, logistical challenges remain. « Between Mopti and Gao, road travel is sometimes impossible, » notes Dr. Téguété. To overcome this, some vaccine shipments are airlifted to regional capitals.

to go further

The HPV vaccine remains entirely free for all 10-year-old girls, thanks to the combined efforts of the government and technical and financial partners like Gavi, which reduces the vaccine’s cost for the country. 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, » says Dr. Téguété.

a hopeful horizon ahead

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

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

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

For both professionals and associations, the HPV vaccine represents the beginning of a profound transformation in women’s health in Mali. As Dr. Téguété reminds us: « Every girl vaccinated means one woman saved. »