Karnataka government launches joint initiative to accelerate cervical cancer elimination
October 04, 2024 | Friday | News
Our government is dedicated to making cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment accessible to every woman: Health Minister
ECHO India, a not-for-profit organisation revolutionising capacity-building in healthcare, education, and livelihood, supported the launch of a joint initiative by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, titled ‘Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination: The Karnataka Movement’ in collaboration with key non-governmental organizations and private healthcare institutions. The initiative aims to advance efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in the state.
Held in Bengaluru, the event saw the presence of Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka, who delivered the inaugural 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.
Dr Vishal Rao, Chief, Head & Neck Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery at HCG Cancer Centre, emphasised that the Karnataka movement will closely follow key WHO guidelines throughout its implementation to ensure effective and widespread impact.
Dr Sandeep Bhalla (Vice President, Projects, ECHO India) highlighted ECHO India’s capacity-building programme on the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer for nurses. In collaboration with state nursing councils and academic institutions, the programme has been launched in eight states, including Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Delhi, Gujarat, and Goa.
In addition to cervical cancer, ECHO India actively collaborates with state departments and medical institutes to strengthen cancer care through its ‘All Teach, All Learn’ approach, which leverages case-based learning. Thr key focus areas include oral cancer, breast cancer, pediatric cancer, palliative care, psycho-oncology, preventive oncology, and tobacco cessation.