In a landmark initiative to eliminate cervical cancer, 50,000 physicians across India will be trained to raise awareness and boost HPV vaccination rates. This collaboration between the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) aims to empower doctors in Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities with evidence-based guidelines and practical tools to combat cervical cancer, a preventable disease that claims 77,348 lives annually in India.
The program will kick off at the All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG) conference in Mumbai and marks a milestone in public health education. Supported by the Cancer Foundation of India and the American Cancer Society, the initiative will focus on addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting HPV vaccination, proven to prevent infections that are the primary cause of cervical cancer.
Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, IMA National President, stated, “We would like to empower our physicians with accurate knowledge and confidence to bridge awareness gaps and enhance HPV vaccine uptake. Our aim is to ensure future generations of Indian girls are protected from cervical cancer.”
FOGSI has already trained 10,000 members who will now pass on their expertise to IMA’s vast network of over four lakh members. Additionally, the vaccine, previously priced at ₹3,000, is now available to IMA members at ₹2,000. Efforts are underway to secure government subsidies for public distribution.
The initiative aligns with global goals to vaccinate 90% of young girls aged 9-14 against HPV, as India accounts for 25% of cervical cancer deaths worldwide. While the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) has recommended including the HPV vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), it is yet to be implemented.
The indigenously developed Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) by the Serum Institute of India is now available in the private sector, offering hope for a significant decline in cervical cancer cases in the future.
