HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa

In 2014, GAIA Vaccine Foundation completed a study to investigate knowledge of human papilloma virus and HPV vaccination as well as prevalence of cervical cancer causing strains of HPV in Mali. Rates of cervical cancer in Mali are the highest in West Africa, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related mortalities. This is due to inaccessibility to healthcare and annual exams, and a lack of knowledge about HPV. Among the 300 individuals interviewed, 43% knew what HPV was, although only 9% knew that HPV is transmitted sexually. After an ensuing information session, everyone understood that the HPV vaccine could prevent cervical cancer; 77% wanted to participate in an HPV vaccine trial, and 84% of adult participants wanted their children to receive the vaccine. Importantly, this study also verified the presence of vaccine-preventable HPV strains 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers worldwide, in women undergoing surgery for cervical cancer in Bamako.

Building off of our current research, our proposal is to investigate the most effective method of vaccine delivery in West Africa, while at the same time, providing culturally integrated educational tools that can be used by the population to understand and spread information about healthy behaviors and preventative vaccination. Cultural and religious sensitivities in the region regarding vaccine programs for young girls are a common problem in most African and North African countries. Additionally, mistrust of medical personnel and the difficulty of completing the three doses required for HPV vaccination pose challenges to HPV vaccine distribution on both a social and organizational level. In order to succeed in providing young girls with a vaccine, GAIA VF has created a multifaceted plan of action to educate and incentivize vaccine completion.

GAIA VF has designed a commemorative cloth in the West African wax print style that will illustrate relevant health information to be distributed upon completion of the vaccination series to the family of girls (ages 9-12) vaccinated at the Hope Center Clinic. Completion rates for 3 dose vaccines are typically abysmally low at 50%. To encourage pharmaceutical companies to participate in vaccination campaigns, it is vitally important to investigate effective methods of encouraging people to become more proactive about their health and the health of their children.

In West Africa, the fabric of everyday clothing is loaded with symbolic meaning that sends a direct message to society. GAIA VF’s textile tool is based on a long history of commemorative prints used to promote political events and holidays. New patterns are printed each year to commemorate such events as International Women’s day and AIDS day. While slogans are frequently used, our pattern will not only speak with words that promote vaccination (our slogan is Je me soigne, Je me protége, Je m’immunise, I care for myself, I protect myself, I vaccinate), it will also educate visually by showing images of the virus, the cervix, and cancer cells. Cells that are healthy near the cervix transform into cancerous cells as they approach the image of the virus. By using this fabric as an incentive and a wearable teaching device, we will be utilizing the power of textiles as traditional social media in West Africa to encourage people to become proactive about their health and the health of their children.

The 33,000 doses that we urgently wanted to distribute have been distributed by others since we lost funding due to the political upheaval in Mali. Our overall goal is not diminished however, and we are still working towards further investigating the best methods for vaccine delivery. 

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