Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in Mali, yet it is largely preventable. This project works with local partners to raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention and screening and vaccinate young girls with the HPV vaccine, which protects against the virus responsible for most cervical cancers.
HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer, the most common and deadly cancer among women in Mali. HPV strains 16 and 18 alone are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, yet vaccines that prevent these strains are already protecting millions of girls in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, access to vaccines, screening, and accurate health information remains limited in many developing countries.
This project supports community education and outreach through one innovative approach, the creation of "storytelling cloth" in the traditional West African wax-print style. These vibrant fabrics visually communicate key messages about cervical cancer prevention and help spark conversations in communities where storytelling and textiles are powerful cultural tools. Through these campaigns, we will raise awareness, encourage families to vaccinate, promote cervical screenings, and build trust.
Our project will help reduce HPV infections and prevent cervical cancer among future generations of women. Education efforts will also encourage more women to seek regular cervical screenings, helping detect and treat cancer earlier when it is most survivable. Over time, these combined efforts will reduce cervical deaths and improve women's health across Mali and the broader West African region. Most importantly, this project helps protect girls before they are exposed to HPV.
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