HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention for West Africa

In May and June, GAIA partnered with the National Center for Immunization (CNI) in Bamako to deliver the 2^nd round of HPV vaccination to girls in Bamako.

Thanks to your donations, GAIA was able support the vaccination of over 7,000 girls in Bamako neighborhoods! That's amazing!

12 neighborhood clinics participated in the event, and vaccinators hit the streets five days in a row to make sure all the girls who received their first dose also got the second; fully protecting them against multiple strains of cancer-causing HPV.

The campaign was a great success, and GAIA plans to continue working closely with the CNI as they develop and plan for national vaccination campaigns. We are particularly concerned about girls who might not be registered in schools, and may miss info sessions or vaccination days. However, GAIA has a plan to reach these girls:

By launching a community outreach initiative, GAIA plans to inform both girls and their mothers about cancer prevention options for both generations. Girls who may have missed the campaign will get vaccinated and their mothers will benefit from a free cervical cancer screening as well! We’re learning that engaging both generations in a discussion about health amplifies the message and increases access to care.

So, are you onboard for another GAIA campaign for cervical cancer prevention in Mali? We’re even working on a re-design of our iconic “Story-telling cloth” (still fashionable on the streets of Bamako!)

We’re counting on your help to make these preventative services as widely available as possible. Stay tuned for updates, and please continue your support! Today only you gift will be matched!