In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in India, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration was unveiled at the prestigious All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AICOG) conference, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

A Milestone Partnership for Public Health

This strategic partnership, supported by the Cancer Foundation of India and the American Cancer Society, marks a pivotal moment in India's fight against cervical cancer. The initiative launches a year-long training program that aims to bolster public health education and promote widespread HPV vaccination, a key tool in preventing cervical cancer.

Empowering Physicians Nationwide

Under the program, FOGSI faculty will train 50,000 IMA physicians, including general physicians, gynecologists, and pediatricians, in Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities. This effort builds upon FOGSI’s 2024 achievement of training over 10,000 of its own members and aims to empower IMA—India’s largest medical society—to bridge awareness gaps and enhance HPV vaccine uptake.

Comprehensive Training Modules

The training will include evidence-based guidelines and practical strategies to equip healthcare professionals with the tools to confidently recommend the HPV vaccine. This initiative supports the Government of India’s vision to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer through a robust HPV vaccination program.

Leadership Speaks

Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, National President of IMA, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

"This collaboration aligns with IMA’s mission to improve the health of Indians. Empowering our physicians with accurate knowledge and confidence will bridge awareness gaps and enhance HPV vaccine uptake. I see this as a personal mission to advocate for HPV vaccination, ensuring future generations of Indian girls are protected from cervical cancer."

Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar, President of FOGSI 2025, highlighted the initiative’s significance:

"Today marks a historic milestone in our fight against cervical cancer. HPV vaccination is a critical tool for elimination, and I am proud to include this initiative as one of my presidential programmes, 'Do Teeke Zindagi Ke,' with FOGSI members leading the charge."

Dr. Priya Ganesh Kumar, National Convenor of the HPV Programme, FOGSI, reinforced the need for collective action:

"India needs more physicians to strongly advocate for HPV vaccination—one of the safest vaccines that prevents cancer. Backed by strong scientific evidence, we FOGSIans took a pledge today to not stop till we reach our collective goal of a Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat."

A Collective Call to Action

Ms. Sutapa Biswas, Co-founder of the Cancer Foundation of India, emphasized the life-saving potential of HPV vaccination:

"Cervical cancer is preventable, and no woman in India should die from it. Our research shows that proactive doctor recommendations significantly influence public acceptance of the HPV vaccine. This historic partnership between IMA and FOGSI is a step in the right direction."

Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Threat

Globally, cervical cancer elimination is within reach, with one of the key strategies being the vaccination of 90% of girls aged 9-14 against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The HPV vaccine has proven highly effective in preventing the infections that are the primary cause of cervical cancer.

In India, cervical cancer poses a significant public health challenge, accounting for 77,348 deaths annually and contributing to 25% of global cervical cancer deaths. This makes the increased uptake of HPV vaccination a national priority.

The Government of India is committed to improving public health through the elimination of cervical cancer. By immunizing adolescent girls, the government aims to eradicate this preventable cancer in the coming decades. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) has already recommended the inclusion of HPV vaccination in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

A Path Towards Elimination

This collaboration between IMA and FOGSI not only enhances HPV vaccine recommendations but also positions healthcare providers as influential advocates at the grassroots level. By supporting the national HPV vaccination rollout, this initiative represents a significant stride in safeguarding the health of India’s future generations.