Indian model Poonam Pandey faked her own death in a publicity stunt to raise awareness about cervical cancer, The Guardian reports.
Pandey initially posted a statement about her death to her 1.3 million followers on Instagram, supposedly from her management team, claiming she succumbed to cervical cancer. Colleagues and media reported her death, but some became skeptical as recent footage of her healthy activities in Goa was shared days earlier.
Pandey later admitted to the stunt, expressing pride in bringing attention to cervical cancer prevention. She emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination and early detection tests, urging awareness and action against the preventable disease.
“Yes, I faked my demise. Extreme, I know. But suddenly we all are talking about cervical cancer, aren’t we?”
– Poonam Pandey
India has a significant burden of cervical cancer cases, and health campaigners are advocating for national HPV vaccinations to reduce its incidence.
