The US and India are set to strengthen their cooperation in biomedical research, with a particular focus on cancer. This collaborative effort was marked by the first-ever US-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue, held in New Delhi. The event was aimed at fostering joint solutions to improve global health and well-being, as highlighted in a press release from the US Embassy and Consulates in India.
The Moonshot Dialogue took place on August 5 and 6 at the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi. The event was facilitated by the US Embassy in New Delhi. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, and Nobel Laureate Dr. Jim Allison delivered a scientific public lecture titled "Beyond Checkpoint Inhibition."
The dialogue included participants from various sectors, such as senior government officials from both the US and India, leaders from American and Indian private sectors, NGOs, patient advocacy groups, faculty members from Indian government institutions, and young researchers including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
During his address, Ambassador Garcetti emphasised the strength of the bond between the US and India, which is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for a healthier future. He noted that the exchange was a tangible demonstration of how the two nations are advancing their partnership in health.
The dialogue also featured senior officials from numerous US government agencies, including the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, the Department of Energy, and Veterans Affairs, among others.
Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, reiterated India's commitment to accelerating cancer treatment discoveries through multidisciplinary approaches.
He highlighted that the two days of scientific discussions were a testament to this commitment, aiming to revolutionise cancer cures and leverage biotechnology advancements for a future free of cancer.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research, and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, remarked that the scientific deliberations during the event were highly productive.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration between people, organisations, and public and private entities from both countries would identify potential areas of mutual interest in cancer research and management.
Cancer is a significant health challenge in India, accounting for about 63 percent of all deaths related to non-communicable diseases. The number of cancer cases in India is expected to increase by nearly 13 percent by 2025 compared to 2020.
In June 2023, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed their strong health partnership by announcing new commitments to accelerate the fight against cancer. These commitments included convening the US-India Cancer Dialogue to advance cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
The US-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue aims to boost cooperation and collaboration in various areas such as AI-enabled innovation for cancer care, novel therapeutics including vaccines and immunotherapy, cost-effective and equitable cancer therapy, implementation science, cancer genomics and precision medicine, and cancer clinical trials.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer, leveraging the strengths and expertise of both nations to achieve better health outcomes globally.
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