Stakeholders convene in New Delhi to commit to accelerating cervical cancer elimination in India

New Delhi: A policy consultation on cervical cancer screening and treatment held on 8 December in New Delhi demonstrated the collective resolve amongst key stakeholders to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in India.

The consultation was organized by FIND, a non-profit organization focused on improving equitable access to diagnosis. It was attended by Members of Parliament Dr. Fauzia Khan and Vandana Chavan, who highlighted the importance of prioritizing women’s health and suggested a roundtable with Parliamentarians to discuss strategies to eliminate cervical cancer.

During the consultation, the Government of India’s commitment to eliminate cervical cancer was underscored by Professor S.P. Singh Baghel, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, who delivered a video message calling upon stakeholders to adopt a multi-sectoral approach to bring cervical cancer diagnosis to the doorstep of the community.

During the discussions, the introduction of high-performance human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), complemented by approaches such as self-sample collection to ensure effective screening, and strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration, were emphasized as critical components of a robust cervical cancer elimination strategy.

Dr Sanjay Sarin, Vice President Access, FIND, said: “FIND aims to increase access to HPV screening and supporting countries with meeting the WHO cervical cancer elimination goals. We are committed to supporting India’s efforts to address the challenge of cervical cancer through effective screening and linkages to treatment.”

The consultation was supported by Roche Diagnostics. Michelle Medeiros, Head of Access and Policy, Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific, said: “The burden of cervical cancer amongst women in India is huge and growing and yet this cancer is highly preventable and treatable. By improving the detection and management of cervical cancer, we will be able to positively impact the lives of women and their loved ones, allowing them to seek the help they need earlier and ensuring that are able to carry on with their lives as active members of their families and communities. Collaborative multi-stakeholder partnerships and system-wide approaches can tackle some of the biggest obstacles faced in improving inequities in cervical cancer care. This includes establishing a nationwide momentum towards programs, funding and infrastructure for immunization, early screening, diagnosis, and treatment in cervical cancer.”

Other stakeholders in attendance included clinicians, technical experts, civil society organizations, research and academic institutions, private sector organizations and survivor champions.