On October 30, in the Korofina neighborhood of Bamako, a community meeting brought together women and young girls at the local civil registry office. Amin Dem, a midwife, opened the discussion. “At first, there was a lot of hesitation. Girls were afraid, and so were parents. But with awareness campaigns, things have changed,” she explains.

According to her, the biggest concern remains the persistent myth that the vaccine causes infertility. “When you take the time to explain, especially in their local language, they understand,” she says.

a landmark achievement in cervical cancer prevention

The HPV vaccine, introduced in November 2024, marks a turning point for Mali. Thanks to the single-dose schedule, which now provides full protection, over 145,000 10-year-old girls were vaccinated between January and September 2025. More than 113,000 of them are schoolgirls, while around 32,400 out-of-school girls were also reached. Authorities acknowledge that more effort is needed to reach the latter group, which is often at higher risk of being left behind.

Dr. Ibrahima Téguété, a gynecologist-obstetrician at the Point G University Hospital, believes this progress brings Mali closer to the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women at two key ages, and ensuring treatment for 90% of those with lesions. “The introduction of the vaccine is a great achievement. It finally allows us to take primary prevention action,” he says. However, he remains realistic about the system’s limitations: “We only have one radiotherapy unit. Reaching the last ‘90’ will still be difficult.”

collective mobilization drives success

While the campaign relies on public health structures, civil society plays a key role. In Bamako, the NGO Solidaris223 has conducted numerous awareness sessions since the launch. “We’ve intervened in all the communes. Mothers came to ask us where they could vaccinate their daughters,” says its president, Amina Dicko.

At the Djiguiya Center in Bamako, an entire day was dedicated to vaccination. “Seventy boarding students received their dose, and none experienced side effects,” confirms the director, Mrs. Togo Mariam Sidibé.

The adolescents themselves are spreading the word. Awa, 10, shares: “I was scared of the needle, but it went by quickly. 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 initiatives reflect strong commitment: “The first batches were used up very quickly. This proves there is a collective will.”

declining but persistent hesitancy

Rumors about fertility continue to fuel some resistance. “Some spread false claims that the vaccine is harmful. This is completely untrue,” insists Dr. Téguété. Amin Dem sees this change firsthand: “Today, some mothers come on their own to request the vaccine. Once you take the time to explain, everything changes.”

Fannata Dicko, mother of a vaccinated daughter, 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’ve seen firsthand how much a woman can suffer from it. So I chose prevention so my daughter never has to face this later.”

Despite progress, vaccine deployment faces challenges. “Between Mopti and Gao, travel by road is sometimes impossible,” admits Dr. Téguété. To overcome this, some shipments are airlifted to regional capitals.

The vaccine remains entirely free for all 10-year-old girls, a measure maintained through joint efforts by the government and technical and financial partners, including Gavi, which ensures reduced-cost access for the country. This free provision guarantees equitable access, even in remote areas. “If we can maintain this effort for a few more years, we will have vaccinated all girls aged 9 to 14,” the specialist estimates.

a hopeful horizon despite obstacles

Prevention efforts are not new. Between 2016 and 2022, the Weekend 70 program increased cervical cancer screening rates from 15% to over 70% in the Bamako district. But misinformation remains a major obstacle. “What people don’t know, they fear. We must continue to explain, inform, and talk,” 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 is not 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.”