Union Health Minister JP Nadda made headlines during a virtual WHO press briefing, revealing that more than 86 crore women have been screened for cervical cancer under the NP-NCD program. This staggering figure showcases India’s aggressive push to eliminate the disease, positioning women’s empowerment at the heart of public health.
Addressing global leaders, Nadda detailed how cervical cancer, linked primarily to HPV, continues to burden healthcare systems. India’s response? A comprehensive framework blending vaccination, screening via VIA method at grassroots levels, and efficient treatment pathways.
The screening drive, available free at health centers for women 30-65, has become a game-changer. Complementing it is the freshly launched national HPV vaccination campaign, aiming to immunize 1.2 crore adolescent girls over 90 days with WHO-recommended vaccines.
Prime Minister Modi’s flagship initiative emphasizes voluntariness and community engagement, with health workers on the frontlines ensuring reach. Nadda spotlighted this as a tribute to India’s ASHA and ANM workforce, who bridge gaps in awareness and access.
Aligning with WHO’s ambitious 2030 goals, India integrates adolescent vaccination, adult screening, and quality care. Dr. Tedros lauded the scale, calling it transformative amid India’s high disease burden—42,000 annual cases and 80,000 deaths. He stressed global solidarity against overlapping threats like obesity and HIV.
South Africa’s minister joined in applause, signaling international momentum. India’s model not only protects its daughters but sets a global standard for scalable, equitable health interventions, proving prevention saves lives and nations.