The Quad grouping (India, United States, Australia, and Japan) has recently launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative, focusing on cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment in the Indo-Pacific region.
About Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative:
- Objective: Strengthen the cancer care ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific by improving health infrastructure and promoting research collaborations.
- Focus: Primarily targets cervical cancer, with plans to expand to other forms of cancer.
Main Activities:
- Promoting HPV vaccination to treat cervical cancer.
- Increasing access to cancer screenings.
- Expanding treatment options and care, especially in underserved areas.
India’s Contribution to the Initiative:
- Grant of US $7.5 million: For cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Support for radiotherapy treatment: India will assist in building radiotherapy capacity for cancer treatment in Indo-Pacific countries.
- Digital Health Support:
- India to provide technical assistance to countries interested in using digital platforms or Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for cancer screening, care, and continuum.
- Contributing US $10 million to the WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health.
Significance of the Initiative
- Cervical Cancer in Indo-Pacific: Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the region. It is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and treatable if detected early.
- Less than 10% of women in the Indo-Pacific region have completed the HPV vaccination series.
- Fewer than 10% have undergone recent cervical cancer screening.
- The region faces significant challenges in healthcare access, limited resources, and disparities in vaccination rates.
Global Collaboration and Commitment
- Biden-Harris Cancer Moonshot: This initiative aligns with the broader U.S. goal to halve cancer death rates and improve the experience of cancer patients by 2047.
Collaborative Efforts:
- Quad partners aim to enhance research and development in cancer care within their national contexts.
- The initiative seeks to engage the private sector and non-governmental organizations to support efforts in reducing cervical cancer in the region.
- Partnership with UN agencies: Joint efforts in bulk purchasing of HPV diagnostics to lower the cost of cervical cancer screening.
- Collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency to improve access to medical imaging and radiation therapy.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the primary goal of the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative?
The initiative aims to strengthen the cancer care ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific region, primarily focusing on cervical cancer.
What is India’s role in the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative?
India contributes through a US $7.5 million grant for testing, screening, and diagnostics, and supports radiotherapy capacity building in the Indo-Pacific.
Why is cervical cancer prevention significant in the Indo-Pacific?
Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the region, and it is preventable through HPV vaccination and early detection.
How does the initiative plan to lower the cost of cervical cancer screening?
The Quad partners plan to collaborate with UN agencies to bulk purchase HPV diagnostics, reducing the cost of cervical cancer screening.
What digital health contributions does India make under the initiative?
India provides technical assistance for digital health platforms and has committed US $10 million to the WHO’s Global Initiative on Digital Health.