MSD Ropes in Madhuri Dixit for Cervical Cancer Awareness Program

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 6 May 2026

• MSD India teams up with Madhuri Dixit for a cervical cancer awareness campaign
• Focus on prevention and early consultation linked to Human papillomavirus
• Highlights urgent need as per Globocan HPV India Report 2023 data

US-based pharma major MSD on Wednesday announced it has roped in Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit, for its country-wide cervical cancer awareness program in India.

This initiative has the goal of furthering the knowledge of cervical cancer, its connection to the human papillomavirus, and the need for women to engage in discussions with medical professionals to learn about preventive care options.

The data used for this campaign comes from the Globocan HPV India Report 2023, which indicates that cervical cancer is still one of the largest causes of death for women in India, resulting in nearly one death every seven minutes. This statistic highlights the fact that cervical cancer is largely preventable through knowledge and early access to a gynecologist.

As a part of this campaign, MSD India has produced several short films featuring Madhuri Dixit that have been distributed to several digital platforms.

Using relatable and informational messages, the films encourage women and parents to take the time to speak to their gynecologists and pediatricians about cervical cancer and preventative care.

This campaign also addresses the larger issue of delaying preventative care and the need to have educational and engaging conversations with medical professionals, in order to improve the long-term health of women through timely preventive healthcare options.

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.”

Madhuri Dixit said, “Women often put their own health last while taking care of everyone else. Women’s health deserves attention, priority, and opens 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.”

The MSD India campaign has the dual objective of contributing towards education, prevention and informed decision making in connection to cervical cancer awareness; therefore MSD will work with other organizations to educate the public on these topics.