Message from the CEO

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the April edition of CAPED Connect. As we reflect on 2025, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our partners, supporters, and well-wishers who continue to stand with us in our mission.

This year has been both meaningful and encouraging. Being recognised as a Global Awardee of the Lever for Change – Action for Women’s Health Challenge marks a significant milestone, enabling us to further scale our efforts in preventive cancer care and strengthen community outreach across India. At the same time, our on-ground initiatives—from school-based HPV awareness to capacity building of ASHAs and deeper community engagement—have continued to expand our impact at the grassroots level. We are also proud to be working with the Government of Uttarakhand on health system strengthening.  

Our work has also been acknowledged on global platforms such as the IPVS Conference in Bangkok and the Social Outcomes Conference at Oxford, reaffirming the importance of community-led approaches in cancer prevention.

As we look back on the year, we remain committed to strengthening health systems, enhancing awareness, and ensuring that prevention and early detection reach those who need it most.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.

Warm regards,
Mridu Gupta
CEO, CAPED India

April 2025: 

Friends of CAPED (FOC) Launch
CAPED launched Friends of CAPED, a growing network of individuals supporting cervical cancer prevention through screenings, vaccination, and awareness initiatives. Members gain access to expert discussions, forums, and CAPED’s exclusive events, creating a community committed to a Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat.

Impact assessment report:

CAPED released its Impact Assessment Report in partnership with Give Grants, CAPED assessed it  the study highlights progress in early detection, awareness, and community-level engagement including partners, healthcare system representatives, and the program delivery team.

https://www.capedindia.org/caped-impact-assessment-report/?utm_source=HomePageBanner

May 2025: 

Cervical Cancer Prevention Day (CCPD 4.0)
CAPED marked its 11th anniversary alongside CCPD 4.0 at India Habitat Centre, bringing together partners from healthcare, academia, and civil society.

Key highlights included:

• Keynote by Dr. Raj Shankar Ghosh on the role of civil society
• Launch of the campaign “Prevent Today, Protect Tomorrow.”
• Introduction of a dedicated CCPD website and awareness toolkit
• A powerful nukkad natak reflecting real field challenges

Video Launch:

CAPED, in partnership with GIAHC, CAPI, and PHRII, launched a series of HPV vaccine awareness videos in English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. The initiative aimed to engage adolescents and families with simple, culturally relevant messaging on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention. It was later recognised at the ANN Awards 2025 and achieved a total outreach of 11 million.

Youtube links :

• https://youtu.be/dX5h8emRlBw?si=ynzZRfralRjb6ATd
• https://youtu.be/8leEvD5DW1M?si=Wj-eHHXOiKa2i5ch 

June 2025: 

Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum – Bali
CAPED participated in the 2nd global Forum on Cervical Cancer elimination held in Bali, from June 17-19, 2025 organized by the WHO, the Gates Foundation, and Gavi. CAPED shared grassroots insights from India, emphasizing community engagement, awareness, and screening challenges in rural and semi-urban areas—key to ensuring equity in HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment.

A major outcome was the “Bali Declaration,” urging countries to align with WHO’s 90–70–90 goals. Over 300 stakeholders announced 16 commitments to advance policy, programs, and financing. As part of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium – India (CCEC-I),

CAPED is committed to:

• Develop a national preparedness map and readiness report using real-time grassroots data, reflecting local realities on awareness, access, and health system readiness.
• Collect and document human interest stories from communities to highlight both challenges and successes in cancer prevention efforts.
• Create and disseminate contextually relevant communication materials that resonate with diverse audiences and address stigma, misinformation, and fear.

Read more: https://www.capedindia.org/caped-at-who-global-cervical-cancer-elimination-forum-bali/

July 2025: 

Dhanbad Screening Initiative  (ICMR – NICPR)

CAPED launched a 12-month pilot study in Jharkhand using a Hub & Spoke model for cervical cancer screening. The project integrates HPV DNA testing, capacity building of healthcare workers, and patient navigation, aiming to screen 8,000 women and improve early detection and referral systems.

Strengthening State Systems – Jharkhand & Uttarakhand

In Jharkhand, the first Technical Support Unit (TSU) meeting was held with NHM Jharkhand, ICMR-NICPR, AIIMS, and IIT Delhi to strengthen district-level implementation. Key outcomes included formal agreements on partnership mechanisms to ensure sustained cooperation, plans for capacity-building initiatives, and the introduction of a regular monitoring and evaluation system to assess performance continuously. These systems are designed to provide timely feedback and enable data-driven decision making, ensuring higher accountability.

A New Milestone: Partnering with Uttarakhand for Cancer Elimination

CAPED is proud to mark a new chapter in its journey through its partnership with the Government of Uttarakhand, aimed at strengthening health systems and advancing cancer prevention and early detection across the state. As a first step, a comprehensive gap assessment has been completed across districts to understand existing challenges in screening, referral pathways, infrastructure, and workforce capacity. As per the latest update, district-level data has been received following the gap assessment and is currently being analysed by IIT Delhi. A state-level workshop and the first Technical Support Unit (TSU) meeting are in the planning phase, along with the formal launch of the TSU.

August 2025: 

Women’s Health India conference Team CAPED participated in the Women’s Health India Conference joining leading experts and changemakers to drive impactful discussions on women’s health. From cervical cancer prevention to breast cancer awareness, each dialogue marked a significant step towards achieving health equity.

September 2025: 

Social Outcomes Conference 2025 (Oxford):

CAPED’s project on cancer screening and ASHA capacity building was selected for presentation at SOC25 at the University of Oxford—one of only 25 selected from 100+ submissions—marking significant global recognition.

Sanjeevani Cancer Screening Project:

CAPED, in partnership with News18, Federal Bank, and Tata Trusts, launched a rural cancer screening initiative covering 4,000 individuals across eight locations. The project delivers screening and awareness services, including AI-enabled breast screening at select sites, bringing early detection closer to underserved communities.

CAPED India, in partnership with Avant Garde Cleanroom & Engg. Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Avad CSR Advisory, and Karkinos Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. have implemented a vital initiative to raise HPV awareness and provide HPV vaccination for girls in underprivileged communities across Delhi NCR. The project aims to vaccinate 365 girls in two phases, protecting them from cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Through this initiative, CAPED reinforces its commitment to preventive healthcare, early intervention, and safeguarding the health of vulnerable communities.

October 2025: 

IPVC 2025 – Global Representation

CAPED showcased India’s community-driven models at the International Papillomavirus Conference in Bangkok.

Key highlights included:

• Participation in a global panel on HPV vaccination advocacy
• Two research presentations on ASHA capacity building and public health systems
• Screening of award-winning films reaching over 11 million people
• Recognition of a cervical cancer survivor story on global platforms

One of the most memorable moments linked to India at IPVC was the recognition of Sangeeta Gupta, a cervical cancer survivor whose story CAPED shared as part of the International HPV Awareness Day (i-HAD) campaign. Her message of resilience and hope resonated globally, making it one of the most-watched cervical cancer awareness videos on IPVS platforms.

Her journey not only spotlighted survivorship but also amplified the growing awareness movement in India around screening, HPV vaccination, and early detection.

https://hpvhub.ipvsoc.org/assets/downloads/International_HPV_Awareness_Campaign_2025_Report.pdf

November 2025: 

Shot of Life – School Outreach

CAPED, in partnership with News18, is launching “Shot of Life” in schools across seven cities – Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi/Kozhikode. Students from Classes 7–9 will learn about HPV and cervical cancer prevention, at a time when vaccine has been introduced by Government, awareness plays a crucial role. By sparking early conversations in schools, the project hopes to build trust, break myths, and move India closer to its goal of eliminating cervical cancer.

Global Recognition – Lever for Change

CAPED India has been selected as one of the 80+ Global Awardees of the Lever for Change Action for Women’s Health Challenge, supported by Melinda French Gates. Chosen from more than 4,000 organisations across 119 countries, this global recognition highlights the transformative work CAPED is doing to close critical cancer prevention gaps among women in underserved communities. This award acknowledges not only the urgency of women’s health needs in India but also the effectiveness, scalability, and impact of CAPED’s model in addressing them.

January 2026: 

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM)

As the world ushered in the New Year, CAPED India began Cervical Cancer Awareness Month with a simple yet powerful goal—to create change together. Through our annual campaign, the #MenToEndCervicalCancer movement encouraged men to step forward as allies and share responsibility in women’s health.

With the support of local stakeholders, walkathons, community outreach, awareness workshops, and screening initiatives were carried out on the ground. What started as a small effort grew into a larger movement, reaching over 2.5 million people and spreading the message of prevention.

February 2026: 

World Cancer Day

At CAPED, we believe that informed communities are stronger and healthier communities. Whether it’s promoting HPV vaccination, supporting regular screenings, or simply sharing facts, every step matters. Together, we can make cancer care accessible, approachable, and actionable for everyone.

UICC CAMPAIGN

This World Cancer Day, our team took part in the UICC World Cancer Day movement to ensure every story is heard, every voice is supported, and every emotion is respected. Building on the discussions, we reflected on the importance of inclusion, ethics, and system-level impact. The conversations highlighted real-world challenges and the critical role organizations play in advancing equitable, accessible, and people-centered healthcare.

AI & Public Health Dialogue (IIT Delhi)
CAPED participated in discussions on the role of AI in strengthening public health systems, emphasizing inclusion, ethics, and accessibility.

HPV Vaccine launch , video launch 

Youtube Link :

• Apne Bacchon Ko HPV Vaccine Kyun Lagwayein? Mission #CervicalCancerMuktBharat | CAPED India
• Kal ko surakshit banane ke liye aaj hi HPV aur Cervical Cancer ko jaane | CAPED India

Jharkhand Workshop:

A virtual workshop was held at the State NCD Cell, Ranchi, bringing together State NCD Cell members, district representatives from 20 districts, WHO State Consultant, IIT Delhi representative, and Team CAPED.

The session focused on strengthening screening, referral systems, and patient data management for oral, breast, and cervical cancers through better utilization of NCD Corners and the NCD portal. It also emphasized the importance of accurate patient line listing for submission to the Central NCD Division from April onwards, with CAPED extending support to selected districts to strengthen referral pathways and data governance.

March 2026: 

CAPED x IPVS IHAD CAMPAIGN #ONELESSWORRY 2026
The International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), through its #OneLessWorry campaign, continues to drive global awareness on HPV prevention. As part of the IHAD campaign, CAPED India actively participated by supporting the “Ask About HPV” initiative, collaborating with Dr. Cuetrus, and proudly representing India on the international stage.
Women’s Day : This Women’s Day, CAPED celebrates women through awareness, collaboration, and action. 💜

We were honoured by Punjab National Bank for our work in cancer awareness and screening, and participated in the NGO meet under Girha Lakshmi Swaabimaan Abhiyan organised by Terapanth Mahila Mandal.

We also conducted cancer awareness sessions with AvadheshCo and Jindal Group, and joined an engaging panel discussion with Tata Capital and Nothing Technology. Because celebrating women also means protecting their health and empowering their futures.