On October 30th in Bamako’s Korofina neighborhood, a community gathering brought together women and young girls at the local civil registry office. Midwife Amin Dem opened the discussion with a clear message: « At first, there was significant hesitation. Girls were afraid, and so were their parents. But through awareness campaigns, perspectives have shifted, » she explained.

One persistent myth continues to fuel resistance—the unfounded belief that the vaccine harms fertility. « Taking the time to explain, especially in local languages, makes all the difference, » Amin Dem emphasizes. When myths are debunked with facts, understanding follows.

A groundbreaking prevention milestone

The HPV vaccine was introduced in November 2024, marking a turning point for Mali’s public health landscape. Thanks to the single-dose regimen offering full protection, over 145,000 10-year-old girls were vaccinated between January and September 2025. More than 113,000 of these girls attend school, while approximately 32,400 out-of-school girls were also reached. Authorities acknowledge that additional efforts are needed to ensure no girl is left behind, particularly those in remote or underserved areas.

Dr. Ibrahima Téguété, a gynecologist-obstetrician at the CHU du Point G, sees this progress as aligning 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 for 90% of those with precancerous lesions. « The vaccine’s introduction is a major achievement, » he states. « It finally allows us to take primary prevention seriously. » He acknowledges remaining challenges, noting: « We have only one radiotherapy unit nationwide. Achieving the final ‘90’ will be difficult. »

Collective action drives success

While public health facilities form the backbone of the campaign, civil society has played a pivotal role. In Bamako, the NGO Solidaris223 has conducted extensive outreach sessions since the program’s launch. « We’ve worked across all communes, » says its president, Amina Dicko. « Mothers came to ask us where they could get their daughters vaccinated. »

At Bamako’s Centre Djiguiya, an entire day was dedicated to vaccination. « Seventy boarding school girls received their dose, with no adverse effects reported, » confirms director Togo Mariam Sidibé.

Teenagers themselves share their experiences. Awa, 10, admits: « I was scared of the needle, but it was over 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. » Dr. Téguété highlights the collective commitment: « Initial vaccine supplies were exhausted rapidly, proving the strong will behind this effort. »

Resistance fading, but not gone

Misinformation about infertility continues to fuel some resistance. « Some try to convince communities that the vaccine is harmful. This is entirely false, » Dr. Téguété insists. Amin Dem observes daily changes: « Today, some mothers come to us proactively asking for the vaccine. When we take time to explain, everything changes. »

Fannata Dicko’s story illustrates this shift. « I vaccinated my daughter because cervical cancer is a grave threat. My mother-in-law passed away from it this year. Watching her suffer was heartbreaking. Prevention is the only way to ensure my daughter never faces this. »

Despite progress, delivery challenges remain. « In areas like Mopti and Gao, road access is often impossible, » Dr. Téguété notes. To overcome these barriers, some vaccine shipments are airlifted to regional capitals.

The HPV vaccine remains entirely free for all 10-year-old girls, a policy sustained through collaboration between the Malian government and technical partners like Gavi, which ensures affordable access. This commitment to equity means no girl is excluded, even in the most remote regions. « If we maintain this effort for a few more years, we’ll have vaccinated every girl aged 9 to 14, » the specialist predicts.

A hopeful horizon despite obstacles

Prevention efforts in Mali date back to 2016-2022, when the Weekend 70 program increased cervical cancer screening rates in Bamako from 15% to over 70%. Yet misinformation remains a major hurdle. « People fear what they don’t understand, » Dr. Téguété explains. « We must keep explaining, informing, and talking. »

He also praises the support of religious leaders, whose endorsement has reassured many families. In Bamako, the 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, » he says. Amin Dem echoes this optimism: « Before, people asked why we were talking about cancer here. Now, they come seeking answers. »

For health professionals and associations alike, the HPV vaccine represents the beginning of a profound transformation in women’s health across Mali. As Dr. Téguété puts it: « Every girl vaccinated is a woman saved. »