This letter features reporting from "Ignorance and Apathy: Why One Indian Woman Dies of Cervical Cancer Every Seven Minutes" by Swagata Yadavar
Dear Professor Sanjay Zodpey, President of the Public Health Foundation of India,
I write with deep frustration and urgency, driven by an injustice that cannot be ignored. In her Pulitzer Center-supported article "Ignorance and Apathy: Why One Indian Woman Dies of Cervical Cancer Every Seven Minutes," Swagata Yadavar exposes a harsh reality: in India, women are dying from preventable diseases due to inadequate healthcare and lack of awareness.
Jasuben's story, told in the article, is especially devastating. After marrying and having children at a young age, she was diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer, with less than two years to live, following months of untreated symptoms. Her poignant story exemplifies the urgent need for better healthcare access for women. This crisis is not confined to India; it is a global issue. The World Health Organization estimates that over 300,000 women worldwide die annually from cervical cancer, despite the existence of effective treatment and the HPV vaccine. While most developed countries have made significant strides in eradicating cervical cancer through awareness campaigns and policies that make the vaccine free, this progress is painfully elusive in India. VaccinesWork shows that approximately two-thirds of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in India will die from the disease, as many present with late-stage cancers, indicating that preventive services are failing to reach the majority of girls and women. Their health, their very presence, is treated as an afterthought. Ignoring this undeniable fact is the same as pretending women themselves do not exist.
As a young Indian woman aspiring to be an OB-GYN and part of the healthcare sciences academy at my school, this issue resonates deeply with me. BMC Women’s Health highlights how harmful cultural perceptions around reproductive health make women feel ashamed to speak up or seek care. This shame, combined with a lack of knowledge about basic practices like menstrual hygiene, has real consequences, such as higher rates of reproductive tract infections. Many women are even scared to visit a gynecologist due to these ingrained stigma, and when they do, they receive poor-quality care. Unquestionably, this dilemma goes beyond the quality or availability of care—it is about making healthcare accessible, approachable, and free from cultural constraints that silence women and deny them their fundamental right to well-being.
Your voice holds the power to advocate for those suppressed by injustice. The solution is clear: the HPV vaccine must be included in India’s free immunization program to protect millions from cervical cancer. WHO validates how Bangladesh's successful vaccination initiative achieved over 90% coverage among girls aged 9-14, resulting in a significant decline in cervical cancer cases and proving that accessible healthcare saves lives. It is equally vital to prioritize women over 26 for regular screenings, as early detection can prevent cervical cancer entirely. The National Library of Medicine indicates that timely screenings, like Pap smears, can identify precancerous lesions, allowing for effective intervention. By implementing annual community-based screening programs and enhancing access to healthcare, we can ensure women receive necessary care at the most treatable stages. Additionally, educational campaigns will empower women, dismantling the stigma surrounding reproductive health care. This is not merely a healthcare issue; it is a matter of justice and valuing the lives of Indian women. With your influence and commitment, we can forge a future where every woman lives free from the fear of cervical cancer. The time to act is now—for the daughters we can protect and the mothers we can save.
Sincerely,
Geethika Premkumar

Geethika Premkumar is a sophomore at the Morris County School of Technology, enrolled in the Academy of Healthcare Sciences in Denville, New Jersey. With a deep commitment to addressing healthcare disparities, especially for women, she strives to become an OB-GYN doctor focused on advancing women's health through education and advocacy. Geethika has conducted research on critical healthcare topics and is passionate about exploring complex issues to drive lasting change. In addition to her academic pursuits, she volunteers as a tutor and works to raise funds, enabling underprivileged students in India to access higher education. Driven by a vision for a more equitable future, she is dedicated to making healthcare and education accessible to all.
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