365telugu.com online news,National, July 25, 2025: The “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” was launched today in Hyderabad, marking a significant step in a nationwide public health initiative led by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
The campaign aims to raise awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to various cancers, particularly in light of India’s substantial burden of HPV-related diseases.
Cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in India, with over 1.23 lakh new cases and more than 77,000 related deaths reported annually, according to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023). Beyond cervical cancer, HPV is also associated with up to 90% of anal cancers and 63% of penile cancers.
Hyderabad Conclave Highlights Need for Awareness: The Hyderabad event featured an in-depth panel discussion by leading medical specialists on the public health implications of HPV. The panel included:
- Dr. D. Leela – Consultant Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Oncologist, St. Theresa’s Hospital and Asvins Hospital, Hyderabad
- Dr. S. Sudha – Obst. & Gyn. and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Chief Consultant at TX Hospital, Banjara Hills. Excell Hospital YMCA, Narayanguda
- Dr. Nivalika Rajamoni – Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet
- Dr. M. Surendranath – HOD – Pediatrics, DNB Faculty, Vijay Marie Hospital, Hyderabad. President of Pediatric Academy of Telangana (2021)
- Dr. K. Pavan Kumar – Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Pediatric Allergist, Omega Clinics & Lotus Women and Children Hospital. Central Executive Board Member, IAP (2024)
The session was moderated by Prof. M. Tripura Sundari, Head, Dept. of OBGYN, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Secunderabad, and Chairperson of the Oncology Committee, Indian Menopause Society. The experts collectively emphasized the urgent need for awareness among adolescents, parents, and healthcare providers regarding preventive care.
Speakers highlighted that HPV’s impact extends beyond cervical cancer to include cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx, affecting both men and women.
With peak HPV infection occurring between ages 15 to 25, early awareness and timely preventive action are crucial. The availability of an affordable HPV vaccine further simplifies the protection of individuals from HPV-associated cancers.
SII’s Commitment to Public Health:Parag Deshmukh, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India, stated, “Through these conclaves held across the country, we aim to increase understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical and other cancers.
By bringing together medical experts, healthcare workers, and community members, the forum encourages open dialogue and practical steps toward early detection and prevention.”
The Hyderabad conclave concluded with an open dialogue with the audience, underscoring the campaign’s goal to reduce the burden of preventable cancers through informed decision-making and community engagement.
The initiative will continue in various cities nationwide in the coming months, providing platforms for healthcare professionals to educate and empower the public.
Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, has a long-standing commitment to public health. With over five decades of offering affordable and high-quality vaccine innovations, SII recently launched Cervavac, India’s first indigenously developed gender-neutral quadrivalent HPV vaccine.
Notes to Remember (Key Facts from the release):
- Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of female cancer in India.
- Women at risk for Cervical cancer (aged >=15 yrs.): 511.4 million.
- Annual new cervical cancer cases: 123,907.
- Annual cervical cancer deaths: 77,348.
- Source: ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and cancer 2023.