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Prime Minister Modi announced a grant of USD 7.5 million dedicated to cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a busy and productive visit to the US from September 21-23, 2024. In addition to participating in the Quad Leaders’ Summit, the UN Summit of the Future, and holding bilateral meetings on the sidelines of both these gatherings, he was also part of the launch of a unique global health initiative.
On September 21, 2024, Prime Minister Modi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot launch event, hosted by U.S. President Joseph R. Biden Jr., on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. This event, focused on cervical cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, marks a significant initiative by the Quad countries—India, the United States, Australia, and Japan—to tackle the rising health crisis in the Indo-Pacific region.
India's Role in the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative
The Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to reduce the burden of cancer globally, starting with cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significance of the program, noting that it aligns with India's ongoing efforts to strengthen health security. “This initiative will play a transformative role in providing affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to people in the Indo-Pacific region,” Modi stated.
India is actively engaged in its own cervical cancer screening program and has developed a cervical cancer vaccine. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the nation’s strides in health innovation, including its work on AI-driven treatment protocols for the disease, reflecting India's strong commitment to addressing cancer at both domestic and international levels.
As part of India’s contribution to the Cancer Moonshot initiative, Prime Minister Modi announced a grant of $7.5 million dedicated to cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. In line with India’s vision of "One World, One Health," he emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to health challenges. "When the Quad acts, it is not just for nations; it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach," he said.
Prime Minister Modi further announced that India would support radiotherapy treatment and capacity building for cancer prevention in the Indo-Pacific region, offering technical assistance to interested countries. In a groundbreaking commitment, he shared that India would supply 40 million doses of the HPV vaccine through the GAVI and Quad initiatives, providing a major boost to vaccination efforts in underserved areas.
To bolster cancer care infrastructure, India will also contribute $10 million to the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative on Digital Health. This funding will support digital health platforms that facilitate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in the Indo-Pacific, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare access.
What the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative is Aimed at
The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to strengthen the overall cancer care ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific region.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in the Indo-Pacific, despite being preventable through vaccination and treatable if detected early. The disease’s high mortality rate is largely due to low vaccination and screening rates—fewer than 10% of women in the Indo-Pacific have completed their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination series, and many lack access to proper screening and treatment.
Through this initiative, Quad countries aim to change this scenario. The United States, Australia, India, and Japan are committing to promote HPV vaccination, expand access to cervical cancer screenings, and improve treatment options, particularly in underserved areas. This collaboration is expected to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades.
A Joint Cancer Moonshot Fact Sheet, released during the event, outlines the Quad countries’ commitment to reducing the cancer burden in the Indo-Pacific by providing support for healthcare infrastructure, research, and public health initiatives. The Fact Sheet emphasizes the urgency of addressing cervical cancer, while also laying the groundwork for tackling other forms of cancer in the future.
The United States is playing a key role in the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, building on its own Cancer Moonshot program, which was reignited by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. This program aims to reduce cancer deaths in the U.S. by half by 2047 and improve the overall experience of people affected by cancer.
During the event, President Biden reiterated the U.S. government's dedication to cancer research, prevention, and treatment, announcing over USD 1.58 billion in funding for HPV-related projects in the Indo-Pacific through various agencies. The U.S. Navy, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Cancer Institute (NCI) are set to collaborate with Indo-Pacific partners on vaccine distribution, clinical trials, and cancer control efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will also provide technical assistance to strengthen cancer screening and prevention systems across the region.
Japan, Australia Contribute to Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative
Japan and Australia also announced significant contributions to the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative. Japan committed over USD 27 million to provide medical equipment such as CT and MRI scanners to Indo-Pacific countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. Additionally, Japan’s International Cooperation Agency will lead efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure in the region, while also supporting vaccination and screening programs.
Australia, through its Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer (EPICC) consortium, will expand its efforts with a total funding commitment of AUD 29.6 million. This will include pilot HPV vaccination programs in Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands and expanding screening efforts across Malaysia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative represents a major step forward in the global fight against cancer. By pooling resources, expertise, and technology, the Quad countries are paving the way for innovative strategies to prevent, detect, and treat cervical cancer, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare.
As Prime Minister Modi concluded, “Cooperation in healthcare is a key priority for the Quad, and together, we will make a lasting difference in the lives of people across the Indo-Pacific.”
The Quad Cancer Moonshot is set to evolve as a model for international collaboration, tackling one of the most challenging global health issues with a focus on innovation, accessibility, and human-centric care.
On September 21, 2024, Prime Minister Modi participated in the Quad Cancer Moonshot launch event, hosted by U.S. President Joseph R. Biden Jr., on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. This event, focused on cervical cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, marks a significant initiative by the Quad countries—India, the United States, Australia, and Japan—to tackle the rising health crisis in the Indo-Pacific region.
India's Role in the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative
The Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to reduce the burden of cancer globally, starting with cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significance of the program, noting that it aligns with India's ongoing efforts to strengthen health security. “This initiative will play a transformative role in providing affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to people in the Indo-Pacific region,” Modi stated.
India is actively engaged in its own cervical cancer screening program and has developed a cervical cancer vaccine. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the nation’s strides in health innovation, including its work on AI-driven treatment protocols for the disease, reflecting India's strong commitment to addressing cancer at both domestic and international levels.
As part of India’s contribution to the Cancer Moonshot initiative, Prime Minister Modi announced a grant of $7.5 million dedicated to cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. In line with India’s vision of "One World, One Health," he emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to health challenges. "When the Quad acts, it is not just for nations; it is for the people. This is the true essence of our human-centric approach," he said.
Prime Minister Modi further announced that India would support radiotherapy treatment and capacity building for cancer prevention in the Indo-Pacific region, offering technical assistance to interested countries. In a groundbreaking commitment, he shared that India would supply 40 million doses of the HPV vaccine through the GAVI and Quad initiatives, providing a major boost to vaccination efforts in underserved areas.
To bolster cancer care infrastructure, India will also contribute $10 million to the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative on Digital Health. This funding will support digital health platforms that facilitate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment in the Indo-Pacific, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare access.
What the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative is Aimed at
The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to strengthen the overall cancer care ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific region.
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in the Indo-Pacific, despite being preventable through vaccination and treatable if detected early. The disease’s high mortality rate is largely due to low vaccination and screening rates—fewer than 10% of women in the Indo-Pacific have completed their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination series, and many lack access to proper screening and treatment.
Through this initiative, Quad countries aim to change this scenario. The United States, Australia, India, and Japan are committing to promote HPV vaccination, expand access to cervical cancer screenings, and improve treatment options, particularly in underserved areas. This collaboration is expected to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades.
A Joint Cancer Moonshot Fact Sheet, released during the event, outlines the Quad countries’ commitment to reducing the cancer burden in the Indo-Pacific by providing support for healthcare infrastructure, research, and public health initiatives. The Fact Sheet emphasizes the urgency of addressing cervical cancer, while also laying the groundwork for tackling other forms of cancer in the future.
The United States is playing a key role in the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative, building on its own Cancer Moonshot program, which was reignited by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. This program aims to reduce cancer deaths in the U.S. by half by 2047 and improve the overall experience of people affected by cancer.
During the event, President Biden reiterated the U.S. government's dedication to cancer research, prevention, and treatment, announcing over USD 1.58 billion in funding for HPV-related projects in the Indo-Pacific through various agencies. The U.S. Navy, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Cancer Institute (NCI) are set to collaborate with Indo-Pacific partners on vaccine distribution, clinical trials, and cancer control efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will also provide technical assistance to strengthen cancer screening and prevention systems across the region.
Japan, Australia Contribute to Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative
Japan and Australia also announced significant contributions to the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative. Japan committed over USD 27 million to provide medical equipment such as CT and MRI scanners to Indo-Pacific countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. Additionally, Japan’s International Cooperation Agency will lead efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure in the region, while also supporting vaccination and screening programs.
Australia, through its Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer (EPICC) consortium, will expand its efforts with a total funding commitment of AUD 29.6 million. This will include pilot HPV vaccination programs in Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands and expanding screening efforts across Malaysia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative represents a major step forward in the global fight against cancer. By pooling resources, expertise, and technology, the Quad countries are paving the way for innovative strategies to prevent, detect, and treat cervical cancer, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare.
As Prime Minister Modi concluded, “Cooperation in healthcare is a key priority for the Quad, and together, we will make a lasting difference in the lives of people across the Indo-Pacific.”
The Quad Cancer Moonshot is set to evolve as a model for international collaboration, tackling one of the most challenging global health issues with a focus on innovation, accessibility, and human-centric care.
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