HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa

In Mali, there are exceptionally high cases of HPV, which can lead to cervical cancer in women when left untreated. Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among young women in Mali- leaving a devastating impact on the communities in which these lives are lost. 

There is currently a vaccine that prevents HPV strains 18 and 16 which cause 70% of all cervical cancer cases in women. Unfortunately, this vaccine is not currently available in many developing nations such as Mali. Similarly, many women in Bamako do not know that receiving a simple cervical exam once a year can be the difference in preventing cervical cancer. 

Our HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa program is working towards educating communities about the benefits of these cervical exams, as well as preparing them for the potential introduction of the vaccine. Through the spread of knowledge, GAIA Vaccine Foundation is hoping to ensure that women in Bamako are aware of the life saving benefits of cervical exams, and have the chance to prioritize their long term health. 

Our ongoing program would not be possible without your help. With a donation of only $15, you would be providing the entire treatment to one woman with precancerous lesions- potentially saving her life. With a donation of $25, you would be providing supplies for cervical cancer screenings for five women, making an extraordinary impact on their long term health journeys. With a generous donation of $100, you would be covering the salary of one doctor providing cervical cancer screenings for an entire month- potentially giving their patients a second chance at life. We are extremely appreciative of your continued generosity as we continue our mission of reducing the incidence of infectious disease.

Research has indicated that HPV strains 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, the most fatal cancer for women in Mali. However, these two strands can be prevented by an HPV vaccine that has already been approved in 125 countries. While the vaccine hasn’t yet been introduced in Mali, our ongoing program HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa is not only equipping the population with important information regarding the vaccine prior to its introduction, but also asserting the importance and providing access to cervical cancer screenings, a life saving medical examination. 

Few women in Mali are aware of the life saving impact of yearly routine cervical cancer screenings. The goal of our ongoing program is to increase education around these screenings so women feel equipped with their own personal healthcare knowledge, and steps they can take to ensure their wellness. By spreading awareness through education, we can educate communities about this deadly disease and one day eradicate its impact. 

Our ongoing program would not be possible without your help. With a donation of only $15, you would be providing TREATMENT to one woman with precancerous lesion- potentially saving her life. With a donation of $25, you would be providing supplies for cervical cancer screenings for five women. With a generous donation of $100, you would be covering the salary of one doctor providing cervical cancer screenings for an entire month- potentially giving their patients a second chance at life. We are extremely appreciative of your continued generosity as we continue our mission of reducing the incidence of infectious disease.