HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa

HPV is a well established cause of several types of cancer, most notably cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is considered the most effective way to prevent HPV transmission and subsequently from developing many forms of associated cancer. A report from the HPV Information Centre estimates that 119,285 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and approximately 81,687 die from the disease. 

In West Africa, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women. There is an incidence rate or 29.6 per 100,000, the second highest regional rate on the continent. Every year there are approximately 31,955 new cervical cancer cases in West Africa. 

Cervical cancer has impacted the lives of thousands of women in Mali and across the world. However, with the appropriate vaccinations for HPV and frequent screening, cervical cancer can be prevented. This is why GAIA offers free testing and HPV vaccination at Hope Center Clinic. 

As an update on this specific project, GAIA continues to work with our National Director in Mali, Dr. Karamoko Tounkara to ensure vaccinations remain accessible and testing is free. GAIA's "story telling cloth" (pictured here) shows HPV transmission in the style of a West African textile. Physicians, community health care workers and patients continue to wear this fabric to remind daughters to be vaccinated and mothers to be screened. 

You can help prevent HPV and cervical cancer in Mali by donating to GAIA Vaccine Foundation's 'HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa' on GlobalGiving today. A contribution of just $10 provides a woman with a cervical cancer screening which could very well be lifesaving. 

Thank you for your support to GAIA Vaccine Foundation!