On Thursday, October 30, a vital information session brought together women and young girls at the civil registry office in Bamako’s Korofina district. Amin Dem, a midwife, initiated the discussion. “Initially, there was considerable hesitation. Girls were scared, and so were their parents. However, through ongoing awareness efforts, attitudes have shifted,” she explained.

According to Dem, the primary concern continues to be the misconception that the vaccine causes infertility. “When we take the time to explain, especially in their local language, they begin to understand.”

A significant leap in preventive healthcare

Launched in November 2024, the HPV vaccine marks a pivotal moment for Mali. Utilizing a single-dose regimen, which now provides full protection, over 145,000 girls aged 10 were successfully vaccinated between January and September 2025. The majority, just over 113,000, are enrolled in school, while approximately 32,400 out-of-school girls also received their doses. Authorities acknowledge that more concerted efforts are necessary to reach this latter group, who are often at higher risk of being overlooked.

For Dr. Ibrahima Téguété, a gynecologist-obstetrician at the CHU du Point G, this advancement brings Mali closer to the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets: vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV, screening 70% of women at two crucial ages, and ensuring 90% of those with lesions receive treatment. “The vaccine’s introduction is a great source of satisfaction. It finally allows us to engage in primary prevention,” he emphasized. However, he remains realistic about systemic limitations: “We only have one radiotherapy unit. The final ’90’ will still be challenging to achieve.”

Collective engagement: a vital catalyst

While the vaccination campaign relies on public health infrastructure, civil society also plays a crucial role. In Bamako, the NGO Solidaris223 has conducted numerous awareness sessions since the launch. “We intervened in all communes. Mothers came to us asking where to vaccinate their daughters,” recounted Amina Dicko, the organization’s president.

At the Djiguiya Center, also in Bamako, an entire day was dedicated to vaccination. “Seventy resident girls received their dose, and none experienced any side effects,” affirmed Director Mme Togo Mariam Sidibé.

Adolescents themselves articulate its importance. Awa, 10, shared, “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, whom we met with her family, added: “My teacher explained why it’s important. I asked my mother, and she reassured me. I am proud to be vaccinated.” Dr. Téguété notes that these initiatives demonstrate the commitment of all stakeholders: “The initial supplies were used very quickly. This proves there is a collective will.”

Decreasing, yet persistent, hesitancy

Rumors regarding fertility continue to fuel some resistance. “Some people spread the belief that the vaccine is a means to harm us. This is entirely false,” Dr. Téguété emphasized. Amin Dem observes this daily: “Today, some mothers proactively come to request the vaccine. Once you take the time to explain, it changes everything.”

Fannata Dicko, a mother of a vaccinated daughter, exemplifies this shift. “I had my daughter vaccinated because cervical cancer is a serious illness. My mother-in-law fell victim to it this year and passed away. I witnessed firsthand how much a woman can suffer when afflicted. So, I chose to prevent it, ensuring my daughter never has to face that later.”

Despite the progress, vaccine deployment faces challenges. “Travel between Mopti and Gao is sometimes impossible by road,” Dr. Téguété acknowledged. To overcome these obstacles, some vaccine supplies are transported by air to regional capitals.