Cervical Cancer Prevention Program Launched in Karnataka

The Government of Karnataka’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in partnership with the Karnataka chapter of ECHO India, OBGYNs, and several non-governmental organizations, has officially launched ‘Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination - CCE: The Karnataka Movement’. This initiative aims to significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence through vaccination, screening, and preventive care, positioning Karnataka as a model state in the fight against this disease.

Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the launch event on Thursday 3.10.2024  at Vikas Soudha in Bengaluru. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to cervical cancer prevention and treatment in his keynote address. 

“Our government is dedicated to making cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment accessible to every woman, ensuring early detection and timely intervention to save lives,” he stated.

Dignitaries and Thought Leaders Unite for a Common Cause

The event brought together prominent figures in the healthcare community, including: 

Dr. Hema Divakar, FIGO Division Director, Well Woman Healthcare, and former FOGSI President 

Dr. Alexander Thomas, Founder & Patron, AHPI 

Dr. Vishal Rao, Chief of Head & Neck Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, HCG Cancer Centre, Bengaluru 

Dr. H. Sudarshan, Trustee, ECHO India 

In her address, Dr. Hema Divakar emphasized the need for collective action. "While national efforts are underway, Karnataka must take the lead in driving awareness and implementing vaccination and screening strategies in alignment with the WHO’s 90-70-90 strategy. We aim to set a precedent for other states to follow by fostering partnerships at both the state and global levels.”

Dr. Vishal Rao echoed this sentiment, highlighting that adherence to WHO guidelines will be critical in ensuring the initiative’s effectiveness.   "We are committed to following the WHO’s directives closely to maximize the impact and reach of the Karnataka Movement," he said.

Dr. H. Sudarshan, a renowned social entrepreneur, urged the government to prioritize the immunization of young girls. "While we have made great strides in screening and building capacity for cervical cancer prevention, we must now focus on ensuring that young girls are vaccinated, securing a healthier future for the community."

Leveraging Technology and Training to Drive Success

Dr. Alexander Thomas stressed the importance of training and certification to empower healthcare providers across the state. He highlighted the role of digital platforms like ECHO, along with certification programs offered by AHPI and HSSC, to accelerate the initiative. 

“Through empanelled institutions like ARTIST, we aim to standardize training and bring quality care to every corner of Karnataka,” he added.

A Milestone for Preventive Healthcare

The launch of ‘CCE: The Karnataka Movement’ marks a significant step forward in Karnataka’s healthcare landscape. By focusing on prevention, early detection, and treatment, the initiative seeks to make cervical cancer a preventable and treatable condition, reducing its burden on the state’s healthcare system.