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New Delhi Dialogue Sets Goals to Eradicate Cervical Cancer Across India
Reported by Deepak Mishra (Copy Editor) · Bing News - Health (India) ·
Reported by one source so far
Representative image · Wikimedia CommonsMedical experts, government officials, and researchers gathered in New Delhi for a two-day national dialogue to plan the elimination of cervical cancer in India. The event took place on 15 and 16 September 2026, focusing on HPV screening, better treatment access, and expanding vaccination.
Partners and Organizers
The CAPED Trust organized the event in partnership with NCI-AIIMS and ICMR-NICPR, with the Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium-India as a supporting partner. The first day featured discussions on HPV DNA-based screening and vaccination expansion. The second day was a national high-level round table organized by CAPED, the Global HPV Consortium, and CCEC-I to turn national policy into state and community action.
Expert Insights
Dr. Rebecca Martin of the Sabin Vaccine Institute noted that India's leadership is vital for global cervical cancer elimination, comparing the effort to India's successful polio eradication certified in 2014. Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh from CCEC-I stressed that elimination requires a coordinated national response rather than isolated efforts. Other key speakers included Shri Pushpendra Rajput from the Union Health Ministry, Dr. Shalini Singh, Dr. Neerja Bhatla, and Prof. Karen Canfell from the University of Sydney.
Technology and Strategy
IIT Delhi introduced a digital patient tracking platform named PRAVAAH to support continuity of care between screening and treatment. Prof. Sanjay Dhir of IIT Delhi also introduced the S.A.V.E. strategy during the sessions. Additionally, Dr. Naveen Thacker highlighted the WHO 90-70-90 targets, aiming for 90 percent vaccination of girls by age 15, 70 percent screening for women, and 90 percent treatment access for those who need it.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
A two-day national dialogue held in New Delhi brought together health leaders, government officials, and researchers to outline a comprehensive strategy for eliminating cervical cancer in India through HPV screening, vaccination, and improved treatment access.
Why It Matters
Cervical cancer is a major health burden for women in India, often diagnosed late due to social barriers, regional disparities, and lack of screening infrastructure. Coordinated national strategies and digital tracking tools like PRAVAAH are essential to bridge the gap between initial screening and timely medical care, ultimately saving thousands of lives.
What Happens Next
Stakeholders will work on translating high-level policy guidelines into actionable programs at the state, district, and community levels. Future efforts will focus on implementing the WHO 90-70-90 targets, expanding community-based HPV self-sampling, and utilizing digital platforms to track patient care pathways effectively.
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