Biden leads cervical cancer initiative at Delaware summit with allies

President Biden is taking significant steps to address cervical cancer on a global scale, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which has high rates of the disease. During a summit in Wilmington, Delaware, he will collaborate with leaders from Australia, India, and Japan to launch the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative. This initiative aims to enhance cervical cancer screening, increase HPV vaccinations, and improve treatment access for patients. The initiative is supported by a recent commitment from First Lady Jill Biden, who announced a five-year, $1.58 billion investment in Gavi, an organization dedicated to expanding vaccine access. Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease if detected early, yet it remains the fourth most common cancer among women globally. The World Health Organization has set ambitious goals, including vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by age 15. Australia is leading efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, potentially becoming the first country to achieve this goal. The Quad initiative will build on Australia's work and leverage U.S. Navy hospital ships to provide screenings and vaccinations in remote island nations. India, known for its substantial vaccine production capabilities, will play a crucial role in manufacturing and distributing HPV vaccines. This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to reducing cervical cancer rates and improving health outcomes for women in the region, ultimately aiming for a significant impact on public health.