Serum Institute’s Vizag Summit: A Turning Point for HPV Vaccination in India

The Serum Institute of India (SII) brought its “Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025” to Visakhapatnam as part of a sweeping nationwide campaign to tackle the burden of HPV-related cancers. India faces a significant challenge with cervical cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women in the country, with over 1.23 lakh new cases and more than 77,000 deaths reported annually.

 

Key Highlights:

 

The conclave gathered leading medical specialists, healthcare workers, and community members to discuss the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and prevention of HPV-related diseases. Experts emphasized that HPV is not only linked to cervical cancer but is also associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, affecting both men and women.

 

With HPV infections peaking between ages 15 and 25, the conclave focused on the importance of educating adolescents and parents about timely vaccination and preventive care. Doctors highlighted that awareness about the HPV vaccine remains low, especially among women and girls over 15, despite the vaccine’s proven effectiveness and affordability.

 

The panel called for a gender-neutral approach to vaccination, urging that boys be included alongside girls in immunization efforts to curb the spread of HPV and reduce cancer risk for all.

 

SII’s indigenous vaccine, Cervavac, was spotlighted as a safe and affordable solution, with experts recommending its administration for individuals aged 9 to 26 years.

 

The conclave featured interactive sessions, open dialogue, and practical strategies for community engagement, aiming to empower families to make informed health choices and reduce preventable cancer cases.

 

The Visakhapatnam event is part of SII’s ongoing mission to foster nationwide understanding of HPV and support India’s fight against cancer.

 

Sources: Indian Express, The Hindu Business Line, DT Next, Times of India