California, USA (CU)_ January is marked as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in the United States, and the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI, is initiating a campaign to raise awareness about cervical cancer in India during the approaching Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2022, which will be held at the Hotel Avasa in Hyderabad from January 5 to 7, 2022. Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, President of the AAPI, announced the news in a press statement last month.
The American Cancer Society stated that Cervical Cancer was formerly one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among American women. The fatality rate from cervical cancer has decreased dramatically as a result of enhanced screening using the Pap test. Cervical cancer is one of several types of cancer that are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
According to Dr. Udhaya Shivangi, head of AAPI GHS 2022, if vaccination campaigns are executed successfully, around 90% of invasive cervical cancer occurrences around the world, as well as the majority of precancerous lesions, may be averted. She said, “We want to sponsor a minimum of 100 free vaccines among High School children during our Global Healthcare Summit. We urge all AAPI members and leaders to join us in this fight to eradicate Cervical Cancer.”
Dr. Kusum Punjabi, head of the AAPI Board of Trustees, spoke about the research work. He said, “Cervical cancer could be the first cancer EVER in the world to be eliminated, if: 90 % of girls are vaccinated; 70% of women are screened; and, 90% of women with cervical disease receive treatment. GHS 2022 will be a forum to educate and create awareness about this deadly disease that can be prevented.”
Dr. Ravi Kolli, president-elect of AAPI, announced the slogan of the summit. He said, “Our theme for GHS 2022 is: ‘Prevention Better than Cure. Cervical Cancer is preventable through vaccination and early pap smears and cervical examinations. Justifiably so, one of our preventive campaign goals this year is to provide education and prevention of Cervical Cancer in India.” Dr. Meher Medavaram, a major organizer of GHS 2022, stated, “AAPI’s this new initiative will help save millions of lives in India”.
Other key AAPI leaders also spoke on the importance of India’s cervical cancer fight. Most of these leaders are instrumental in ensuring the success of the Global Health Summit. The panel members are Dr. Sujeeth Punnam, coordinator for the United States; Dr. Dwarkananda Reddy, coordinator for the GHS in India; Dr. Lokesh Edara, Head of Global Medical Education; Dr. Prabhakar Sharma, chair of CME; Dr. Prabhat Sinha, chair of Sponsorships and Exhibits; Dr. Seema Arora, chair of the Women’s Forum; Dr. Joseph M. Chalil, chair of the CEO Forum; Dr. Belani Kumar, chair of the Medical Students Research Poster presentations; Dr. Lakshmi Thirunagari, and coordinators of Medical Jeopardy.