HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a direct cause of cervical cancer, which is the most prevalent and fatal cancer among women in Mali. However, the two HPV strains 16 and 18 (which cause 70% of cervical cancer cases) can be eliminated with access to the HPV vaccine that has long been approved in 125 countries. 

Unfortunately, many countries such as Mali do not have access to this vaccine that helps to prevent cervical cancer, and few Malian women know the importance of receiving a simple cervical exam once a year to prevent the spread of cancer and lack the opportunity. 

Our HPV and Cervical Cancer program actively advocates for the availability of the HPV vaccine in Mali. As well, we provide free cervical cancer screenings to women at the ASACOMSI clinic. Through educating communities on the importance of the HPV vaccine, GAIA Vaccine Foundation will also work to raise cervical cancer screening rates in Malian villages, as well as reduce the stigma around HPV.

None of our ongoing programs would be possible without your continuous support. For a donation of $15, you would be providing treatment for one woman with precancerous lesions. With a donation of $25, you would be providing supplies for cervical cancer screenings for five women. For a donation of $50, you would be covering the cost of HPV vaccine doses for ten adolescents. We thank you for your generous contributions to our mission of reducing the incidence of infectious disease in underserved communities.

In over 125 countries around the world, the vaccine to prevent HPV has been approved for medical use. This vaccine prevents HPV strains 16 and 18, which are the underlying causes of cervical cancer in women. Unfortunately, developing nations such as Mali do not have the same access to this vaccine as other countries do. Cervical cancer is the most common and most fatal cancer type for Malian women, and could be prevented with access to HPV vaccination.

GAIA Vaccine Foundation works to prevent HPV and the development of cervical cancer by educating teens in the Teen Peer Education program on how they can protect themselves. We also provide cervical cancer screenings free of charge at Hope Center Clinic. From January through March 2023, 683 women have been screened for cervical cancer at the clinic. 

GAIA Vaccine Foundation is actively working to increase the distribution of the HPV vaccines in order to minimize the number of women who are afflicted with cervical cancer. This process can be expedited through educating communities, as well as your generous donations. With a contribution of $10, you would be providing a cervical cancer screening for one woman. For a donation of $15, you would be providing treatment for one woman with precancerous lesions. For a donation for $25, you would be providing supplies for the cervical cancer screenings of five women. We thank you for your continuous donations, as we work towards eliminating the presence of HPV caused cervical cancer in women in Mali.