Dhaka, 19th January 2025 — Bangladesh’s premier institution for genetics, biotechnology, and translational oncology, ideSHi (Institute for Developing Science & Health Initiatives), successfully hosted a meeting to observe Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
The event brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s MIS, NIPSOM, and EPI units, along with participants from BSMMU, PKSF, and Ispahani Eye Hospital. Former consultant from WHO, delegates from PATH, Bangladesh Mahila Samity, Friendship NGO, HerStory, Incepta, and Aristopharma also actively contributed to the discussions.
The program was divided into two sections. First, ideSHi’s Chief Operating Officer Dr. Md. Rofiqur Rahman delivered a brief speech highlighting ideSHi’s mission and work, followed by introductions of the attendees. Then, Dr. Kasrina Azad from ideSHi provided an overview of the organization’s efforts in addressing HPV, outlining the challenges and strategies to overcome them. Dr. Firdausi Qadri, ideSHi Lead, addressed with an insightful discussion on the global burden of HPV, ideSHi’s pivotal role, and its commitment to supporting WHO’s 90-70-90 strategy by 2030.
As a partner of the Global HPV Consortium led by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, ideSHi is actively involved in global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. ideSHi’s lead, Dr. Firdausi Qadri, who is also a co-lead of the Global Declaration to Eliminate Cervical Cancer by WHO, proposed the formation of a platform named “Cervical Cancer Elimination Consortium – Bangladesh” during the meeting. The proposal was well-received, sparking a brief but fruitful discussion on the consortium’s next steps, including its organogram, activities, methodologies, and potential collaborative partners.
Key ideas emerged during the discussion:
- PKSF offered to utilize its platform for raising awareness in remote areas.
- EPI emphasized the need to address vaccine hesitancy and thanked ideSHi for its support during the nationwide vaccination campaign.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare suggested the introduction of an immunization policy and legislative framework to strengthen cervical cancer prevention.
- HerStory Foundation proposed using creative content to educate girls about cervical cancer.
- Incepta and Aristopharma shared innovative ideas to support the consortium’s mission.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in eliminating cervical cancer in Bangladesh. ideSHi remains committed to driving impactful initiatives in public health and translational research, reaffirming its role as a leader in advancing biomedical science for societal benefit.
