Quad Leaders Launch Cancer Moonshot to Fight Cervical Cancer
The Quad group, which includes Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, has announced the Quad Cancer Moonshot partnership to combat cervical cancer. This initiative aims to expand cervical cancer screening, increase vaccinations against the human papillomavirus (HPV), and provide treatment for patients.
Key Announcements
Prime Minister Modi participated in the event hosted by President Joe Biden during the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. President Biden stated, “I’m proud to announce the Quad Cancer Moonshot to end cancer around the world, starting with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet every year 150,000 women in the Indo-Pacific die from it. We cannot and will not let that continue.”
PM Modi retweeted Biden’s post, saying, “India fully supports this initiative. Let’s collectively work to strengthen the fight against cancer!”
Contributions from Quad Members
The US will support the initiative through medical training and professional exchanges starting in 2025, and the US International Development Finance Corporation will finance eligible projects. Australia will expand the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer Program (EPICC) with AUD 29.6 million. India will share technical expertise in digital health and provide USD 7.5 million for sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines. Japan will provide medical equipment and assistance worth approximately USD 27 million.
India’s Role
India is committed to affordable cancer treatment through its Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and is scaling up population-based screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers. India uses the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method for cervical cancer screening, which is simple and cost-effective. India is also expanding access to specialized cancer treatment centers and conducting implementation research led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Future Goals
The Quad partners aim to collaborate in advancing research and development in cancer treatment and increase private sector and non-governmental activities to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. The initiative is expected to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades.
Doubts Revealed
Quad -: The Quad is a group of four countries: Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. They work together on different issues to help each other and the world.
Cancer Moonshot -: Cancer Moonshot is a big project to find better ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. It is like a mission to the moon but for fighting cancer.
Cervical Cancer -: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that happens in the cervix, which is a part of a woman’s body. It can be very serious if not treated.
HPV vaccinations -: HPV vaccinations are shots that help protect people from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause cervical cancer, so these shots are very important.
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the leader of India. He helps make important decisions for the country.
President Biden -: President Biden is the leader of the United States. He also helps make important decisions for his country.
Indo-Pacific region -: The Indo-Pacific region includes countries around the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It is a big area with many countries, including India, Australia, and Japan.
