R. PRASAD High cost to treat cancer engenders willingness to pay for vaccine A formative study was completed recently to understand the various facets of the society and health systems prior to introducing a vaccine that can prevent Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that is responsible for causing cervical cancer in women. The results of the study were presented to the government very recently. The study was started late last year and undertaken in one district each in Andhra Pradesh (Khammam) and Gujarat (Baroda). The tribal, rural and urban populations were studied in both the districts. Group discussions with about 400 people, including girls, teachers, parents, community leaders and health workers were held. Representative States