- Every seven minutes, nearly one woman in India loses her life to cervical cancer, despite it being largely preventable
MUMBAI | 06th MAY 2026 | MSD (known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada) today announced the launch of its cervical cancer awareness campaign in India, in collaboration with acclaimed actor, public figure and Mother, Madhuri Dixit Nene. The campaign initiative aims to bring conversations around women’s preventive health to the forefront and encourage women and parents across India to speak to their doctors about cervical cancerand appropriate preventive healthcare options.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in India. Despite being largely preventable through timely medical consultation and preventive measures, nearly one woman in India dies every seven minutes, amounting to approximately 200 deaths every day(Data as per Globocan HPV India Report 2023). The campaign seeks to address critical gaps in awareness and the tendency to delay preventive healthcare, particularly among women.
As part of the initiative, a series of short digital films featuring Madhuri Dixit was released across digital platforms. Through relatable, factual and informative messaging, the films highlight key facts about cervical cancer, its link to the human papillomavirus (HPV), and seeking guidance from healthcare professionals. The films urge women and parents to prioritize conversations with gynecologists and pediatricians about cervical cancer prevention, reinforcing the importance of awareness and informed discussions with healthcare professionals.
It encourages individuals and families to reflect on how health decisions are frequently delayed until symptoms appear despite the availability of effective preventive options. The campaign underscores that cervical cancer should not become another disease detected at a later stage.
Speaking on the initiative, Brecht Vanneste, Managing Director, MSD India region, said, “Cervical cancer awareness and early consultation are a critical public health priority. Raising awareness about HPV and preventive healthcare can significantly improve long‑term health outcomes for women. At MSD, we are committed to supporting initiatives that encourage informed conversations and empower women to take proactive steps to protect their health.”
Sharing her perspective on the initiative, Madhuri Dixit said, “Women often put their own health last while taking care of everyone else. Women’s health deserves attention, priority, and open conversations. Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers where awareness and informed discussion play an important role. Through this initiative, I hope more women and families feel empowered to speak with their doctors about cervical cancer and appropriate preventive healthcare. Speaking with a doctor is an act of self-care, and it should never be postponed.”
Through this campaign, MSD aims to contribute to broader public health efforts focused on prevention, education and informed decision‑making. By encouraging timely conversations and increasing awareness, the initiative seeks to support healthier futures for women and families across India.Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for information related to cervical cancer and preventive healthcare.
