Philanthropist and author Sudha Murty made a compelling case for cervical cancer vaccination and awareness during her debut speech in the Rajya Sabha. As a newly appointed MP, she addressed this critical women’s health issue alongside advocating for domestic tourism, showcasing her commitment to both health and cultural preservation.
Emphasizing Women’s Health
Sudha Murty, known for her background as an engineer and educator, highlighted the importance of women’s health in her speech. She began with a Sanskrit shloka that emphasizes respect for women. Sudha stressed that women often neglect their own health to care for their families, leading to severe issues like cervical cancer. She pointed out that many women seek medical help only in the advanced stages of the disease, drawing on her experience as the daughter and sister of doctors.
Urging Increased Access and Awareness
Sudha called on Parliament to enhance access to and awareness of cervical cancer vaccinations. She explained the benefits of the cervical vaccination, which is administered to girls aged 9 to 14. By incorporating this vaccination into public health initiatives, the disease can be significantly prevented, underscoring the principle that prevention is better than cure.
Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths were reported in 2022. While vaccination is crucial for prevention, awareness is equally important for early detection and treatment, making cervical cancer one of the most treatable forms of cancer when detected early.
The Emotional Impact
Sudha also highlighted the emotional toll of cervical cancer on families. She shared insights from her father, a doctor, who emphasized that while hospitals may see a woman’s death as a statistic, for families, it is an irreplaceable loss. She stressed the crucial role mothers play in families and noted that cervical cancer is more common later in life, urging the government to address this pressing issue.
Making Cervical Cancer Vaccine Affordable
Sudha pointed to India’s success with the Covid-19 vaccination drive as an example of how a similar effort could be made for cervical cancer vaccinations. She mentioned the cost-effectiveness of the cervical vaccination and suggested that government intervention could reduce the cost, making it more accessible to the population. Her proposal was well-received in the Rajya Sabha, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling her thoughts relevant.
Understanding Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It often shows no symptoms in its early stages, making regular screening essential for early detection and treatment. The disease is primarily caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. According to the WHO, persistent HPV infection of the cervix, if untreated, causes 95 percent of cervical cancers.
Sudha Murty’s debut speech in the Rajya Sabha not only highlighted a critical health issue but also emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and the need for government action to make life-saving vaccines accessible and affordable. Her advocacy for cervical cancer awareness and vaccination underscores her dedication to improving women’s health and promoting sustainable public health initiatives.
