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Visakhapatnam, June 13, 2025 — The Serum Institute of India (SII), a global leader in vaccine manufacturing, has launched a nationwide public health initiative, “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025,” aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to multiple cancers.
The campaign kicked off in Visakhapatnam with a panel of distinguished medical experts, including Dr. Sunanda Rani Gutta, Director & Chief Consultant Gynaecologist at Nikitha Hospital; Dr. Redla Vidya Rama, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Andhra Medical College and King George Hospital; Dr. Sai Sunil Kishore Manem, Chief Neonatologist at Medicover Hospital; and Dr. Buddha Murali Santosh, Neonatologist and Pediatrician at Motherly Women and Children Hospital. The session was moderated by Dr. Vani Isukapalli, Superintendent of King George Hospital and President of IMA, Visakhapatnam.
Speakers highlighted that India continues to face a significant burden of HPV-related diseases, with cervical cancer remaining the second most common cancer among women in the country. According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), India reports over 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and more than 77,000 related deaths annually. Furthermore, up to 90% of anal cancers and 63% of penile cancers are associated with HPV.
The panel emphasized that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer but is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, affecting both men and women. Peak HPV infection typically occurs between the ages of 15 and 25, making early awareness and timely preventive action essential.
With the availability of an affordable HPV vaccine, protecting individuals from these cancers has become more accessible. The campaign aims to increase understanding of HPV, encourage vaccination, and promote early detection and prevention through community engagement and open dialogue among medical experts, healthcare workers, and the public.
The Visakhapatnam conclave concluded with an interactive session involving audience members, reinforcing the campaign’s broader goal of reducing preventable cancers through informed decision-making and community empowerment. The initiative will continue to travel across Indian cities in the coming months, providing platforms for credible healthcare voices to educate and support the public.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this news article is based on publicly available sources and statements made at the “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025.” Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for medical advice and vaccination guidance. The views and opinions expressed by the panelists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization.
