The Quad grouping of India, Australia, Japan, and the US is set to unveil an ambitious initiative aimed at preventing, detecting, and treating cancer during its leaders’ summit this week. The initiative will initially focus on cervical cancer across the Indo-Pacific region.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the “Cancer Moonshot,” to be announced at a special event on the margins of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, as a “very significant” initiative that adds a human element to the otherwise geopolitically focused agenda of the Quad.
“This is a major priority. Through this milestone initiative, the Quad aims to implement innovative strategies to prevent, detect, treat, and alleviate the impact of cancer on patients and their families,” Misri stated during a media briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US on Saturday. He added, “To begin with, we intend to collaborate in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region.”
The Quad initiative builds on the Cancer Moonshot launched in 2016 by former US President Barack Obama, which was revived by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Their goal is to prevent over four million cancer deaths in the US by 2047 and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
The US Cancer Moonshot has resulted in more than 95 new programs, policies, and resources. The term “moonshot,” inspired by the ambitious Apollo moon missions, refers to challenging and innovative projects.
This is not the first time the Quad has focused on health issues in the Indo-Pacific. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the grouping aimed to deliver one billion vaccine doses to countries across the region. In late 2022, the Quad expanded this initiative to include preparations for future pandemics and health emergencies.
The Quad will release a factsheet outlining the components of the Cancer Moonshot initiative, with a focus on implementing sustainable development goals, delivering public goods, and enhancing health security. The Quad Leaders’ Summit will be hosted by President Biden and attended by Prime Minister Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
