India contributes to 25% of the global cervical cancer mortality, highlighting the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat the disease | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

This January, which is marked as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has partnered with the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) in a drive to eliminate cervical cancer from India. The collaboration focuses on widespread vaccination and enhancing physician training. As part of this initiative, a one-year training programme has been introduced, aimed at educating over 50,000 IMA physicians from Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities. These physicians will receive specialised training from FOGSI experts, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat cervical cancer effectively.

Cervical cancer continues to pose a significant public health challenge in India, with the country accounting for 77,348 deaths annually. India contributes to 25% of the global cervical cancer mortality, highlighting the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat the disease. A key strategy in addressing this issue is increasing the uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, a critical tool in preventing cervical cancer.

This effort, announced at the All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG) conference in Mumbai, seeks to bolster the country’s fight against one of its most prevalent preventable cancers.  The programme underscores the role of general physicians, gynaecologists, and pediatricians in promoting HPV vaccination and addressing vaccine hesitancy, aligning with the government’s vision of a ‘Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat’.

The training modules will include evidence-based guidelines and practical strategies for confidently recommending the HPV vaccine. By equipping healthcare professionals with the  knowledge and tools to address vaccine hesitancy, this initiative directly supports the  Government of India’s plan to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer through HPV  vaccination.  

Collaborative expertise

The programme’s development is supported by the Cancer Foundation of India and the American Cancer Society, ensuring it aligns with global best practices. Priya Ganesh Kumar, National Convenor of the HPV Program, highlighted the scientific evidence backing HPV vaccination and its critical role in cancer prevention.

“India needs more and more physicians to strongly advocate for HPV vaccination,  one of the  safest vaccines that prevents cancer. Backed by strong scientific evidence from India and globally,  there is no doubt about its effectiveness,” said Dr. Priya.

Dilip Bhanushali, national president of IMA, highlighted the significance of empowering physicians with accurate knowledge to bridge awareness gaps and enhance vaccine uptake. “This collaboration is not just a professional commitment but a personal mission to ensure Indian girls are protected from cervical cancer,” he said.

Cervical Cancer: a preventable tragedy

Cervical cancer is on its way to elimination globally, and one of the key strategies to eliminate it  is to vaccinate 90% young girls (9 to 14 years) against HPV to prevent cervical cancer in their adulthood. The HPV vaccine has been proven to be highly effective in preventing infections that are the primary cause of cervical cancer.

FOGSI president Sunita Tandulwadkar underscored the initiative’s importance, marking it as a key presidential programme. “HPV vaccination is a powerful tool in eliminating cervical cancer. We will not stop until we achieve our collective goal,” she affirmed.

This initiative not only enhances HPV vaccine recommendations but also positions healthcare providers as influential advocates at sub-national, district, and block levels. It represents a  significant stride in supporting the national HPV vaccine programme rollout and safeguarding the  health of India’s future generations, said the IMA.