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India commits to leading global cancer prevention in Indo-Pacific: PM Modi at Quad Summit

Among several high-profile events, a major highlight was his involvement in the launch of the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, a global health drive spearheaded by the Quad nations—India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan.

• By PharmaNews Live Desk
• New Delhi
• Sep 25, 2024

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the U.S. from September 21-23, 2024, which included key participation in the Quad Leaders’ Summit and the UN Summit of the Future. 

Among several high-profile events, a major highlight was his involvement in the launch of the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, a global health drive spearheaded by the Quad nations—India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan. 

Quad Cancer Moonshot: India’s Leadership in Cervical Cancer Prevention

On September 21, 2024, Prime Minister Modi took part in the Quad Cancer Moonshot event, hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. This ambitious initiative, focused on the prevention, detection, and treatment of cervical cancer, marks a collective effort by the Quad countries to combat rising health challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. 

PM Modi emphasized the initiative’s alignment with India’s health security vision, stating, “This initiative will play a transformative role in providing affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to people in the Indo-Pacific region.” 

India, already leading efforts in cervical cancer prevention domestically, announced a $7.5 million grant for cancer screening and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific, along with plans to supply 40 million doses of the HPV vaccine. 

India’s Contribution to Global Cancer Care 

India’s involvement in the Cancer Moonshot initiative goes beyond just financial aid. Modi underscored India’s groundbreaking efforts in health innovation, including the development of AI-driven treatment protocols for cancer, and its ongoing mass cervical cancer screening program. “When the Quad acts, it is not just for nations; it is for the people,” he stated, highlighting the initiative’s human-centric approach. 

India will also support the region with radiotherapy treatment and capacity-building assistance, and through its $10 million contribution to the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative on Digital Health, it will share digital health technologies that can streamline cancer screening and care. 

Quad’s Unified Fight Against Cancer 

The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to tackle cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the Indo-Pacific, by improving HPV vaccination and cancer screening rates. 

Cervical cancer remains largely preventable but lacks sufficient medical infrastructure in the region, where fewer than 10% of women have completed the HPV vaccination series. This global health initiative, underpinned by collaborative support from the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan, aims to drastically increase cancer screenings, expand vaccination efforts, and enhance treatment options in underserved areas. 

U.S., Japan, and Australia’s Contributions to the Moonshot Initiative 

US President Biden reiterated their government’s dedication to cancer research and treatment, announcing $1.58 billion in funding for HPV-related projects in the Indo-Pacific. 

Collaborating with Indo-Pacific countries, U.S. agencies, including the Navy, FDA, and CDC, will work on vaccine distribution, clinical trials, and cancer control efforts. Japan and Australia also pledged substantial support. Japan committed $27 million for medical equipment and healthcare infrastructure in countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. 

Australia’s Elimination Partnership for Cervical Cancer (EPICC) announced $29.6 million in funding to pilot vaccination programs in Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands, alongside expanded screening efforts in Malaysia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. 

A Future-Forward Approach to Global Health 

As the Quad Cancer Moonshot continues to evolve, the initiative stands as a model of international cooperation in tackling one of the most pressing global health issues. 

With combined resources and expertise, the Quad nations aim to implement innovative strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, ensuring better healthcare access across the Indo-Pacific. “This partnership will make a lasting difference in the lives of people across the Indo-Pacific,” PM Modi concluded.