Quad Countries Unite to Combat Cancer in Indo-Pacific: A Comprehensive Initiative

In a landmark move, the United States, Australia, India, and Japan have joined forces to launch an ambitious initiative aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad Cancer Moonshot, announced at the recent Quad Leaders Summit, represents a significant step towards improving cancer care and prevention across the region, with a particular focus on cervical cancer[1].

The Urgency of Action

Cervical cancer remains a major health crisis in the Indo-Pacific, despite being largely preventable through vaccination and treatable if detected early. Alarmingly, fewer than one in ten women in the region have completed their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination series, and less than 10% have undergone recent screening[1]. These statistics underscore the urgent need for intervention and collaborative efforts to address this pressing health issue.

A Multifaceted Approach

The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative adopts a comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer in the Indo-Pacific:

Improving Health Infrastructure: The initiative aims to strengthen the overall cancer care ecosystem by enhancing health infrastructure across the region.

Expanding Research Collaborations: By fostering international partnerships, the Moonshot seeks to accelerate cancer research and innovation.

Building Data Systems: Robust data systems will be developed to support evidence-based decision-making and improve cancer care delivery.

Enhancing Prevention and Care: The initiative will provide greater support for cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and care, with a particular emphasis on underserved areas[1].

Country-Specific Commitments

Each Quad country has made significant commitments to support the initiative:

United States:

• The U.S. Navy will support HPV vaccine expert exchanges with Indo-Pacific partners starting in 2025.
• The FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence plans to collaborate with stakeholders in India under ‘Project Asha’.
• The National Cancer Institute will expand its support for global cancer research and training in the region.

Australia:

• Total funding commitments to the Elimination Partnership in the Indo-Pacific for Cervical Cancer (EPICC) will expand to AUD $29.6 million.
• The expanded EPICC project aims to reach more women in the Indo-Pacific and support partner organizations working on cervical cancer elimination.

India:

• India will share technical expertise in digital health through its National Non-Communicable Disease portal.
• The country commits to providing HPV sampling kits, detection tools, and cervical cancer vaccines worth $7.5 million to the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan:

• Japan is providing medical equipment, including CT and MRI scanners, worth approximately $27 million to countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The country has committed approximately $75 million from FY2019 to FY2023 to combat cancer in the Indo-Pacific.

Non-Governmental Contributions

The initiative has garnered significant support from non-governmental organizations and private sector entities:

• The World Bank is increasing its commitment to cervical cancer prevention and treatment in the region, including $400 million in HPV-related investments globally over the next three years.
• The Women Health and Economic Empowerment Network (WHEN) will deploy a joint investment of more than $100 million over the next three years.
• The Serum Institute of India, in partnership with Gavi, will support the procurement of up to 40 million doses of the HPV vaccine for distribution across the Indo-Pacific region.

Improving Cancer Care Delivery

Several organizations are contributing to improving cancer care delivery in the region:

• Project ECHO will launch 10 new learning networks to facilitate effective and accessible prevention and care.
• The American Cancer Society is committed to reducing the global burden of HPV-related cancers by supporting civil society organizations.
• The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) will update its global guidelines on the Management and Care of Women with Invasive Cervical Cancer.

Research and Infrastructure Development

Efforts to increase capacity for cancer research and infrastructure include:

• A $40 million public-private partnership between Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Australia’s Royal North Shore Hospital.
• Amazon Web Services will provide cloud computing credits and enable access to datasets for cancer research.
• Pfizer will expand its INDovation initiative to build oncology capacity at the primary care level in the Indo-Pacific.

Raising Awareness and Empowering People

The initiative also focuses on increasing cancer awareness and education:

• Hologic is working with government agencies and healthcare providers to educate and raise awareness about cervical cancer.
• The Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer will promote HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and early treatment projects in the region.

A Promising Future

The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. By combining resources, expertise, and innovative approaches, the Quad countries and their partners aim to save hundreds of thousands of lives over the coming decades. This collaborative effort not only addresses the immediate health crisis but also lays the groundwork for a more robust and equitable healthcare system across the region.

As the initiative progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its impact, adapt strategies as needed, and continue fostering international cooperation to achieve the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of cancer in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Citations:
[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/21/fact-sheet-quad-countries-launch-cancer-moonshot-initiative-to-reduce-the-burden-of-cancer-in-the-indo-pacific/