National, 31 May, 2025: The “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” was launched today in Ahmedabad as part of a nationwide public health initiative led by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
India continues to face a significant burden of HPV-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, which remains 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. Apart from this up to 90% of anal cancers & 63% of penile cancers are associated with HPV.
At the Ahmedabad event, a panel of medical specialists engaged in an in-depth discussion about the public health implications of HPV. The panel included Dr. Abhay Shah – Senior Pediatrician and ID consultant, Director – Dr. Abhay K Shah Children Hospital, Maninagar, Ahmedabad. President AOP Gujarat 2013. Member ACVIP 2018-19, 20-21. Chairperson, Infectious Diseases Chapter of IAP 2015, Dr. Darshna K. Thakker – Consultant OB-GYN. Founder & Managing Trustee – Sparsh Foundation, Founder of “Health Café”, Dr. Unmesh Upadhyay – Consultant Pediatrician at Vismay Childcare Hospital, Immediate Past President Pediatric Association Ahmedabad, ADVAC Fellow 2024 (Advanced Course of Vaccinology), Dr. Viral Patel – Gynecologic Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad , Dr. Anjana Chauhan – Consultant Gynec Cancer Surgeon, Radiance Hospital, Ahmedabad. Initiator of First HPV Clinic, First-of-its-kind in India. Chairperson – Oncology Committee, IMS
The session was moderated by Dr. Chetan Trivedi – Sr. Pediatrician & ID Consultant Director – Neha Children Hospital Maninagar, Ahmedabad. President, AOP Gujarat 2023. Org Sec, IPA PEDICON 2023. Together, they highlighted the pressing need for awareness, the importance of reaching both adolescents and parents, and the role of healthcare providers in guiding preventive care.
The speakers emphasized that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer alone. It is also associated with 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 essential. With an affordable HPV vaccine now available, it has become still more easier to protect every individual from HPV associated cancers.
“Through these conclaves held across the country, we aim to increase understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical and other cancers,” said Parag Deshmukh, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India. “By bringing together medical experts, healthcare workers, and community members, the forum encourages open dialogue and practical steps toward early detection and prevention.”
The Ahmedabad conclave concluded with an open dialogue involving audience members, reinforcing the broader goal of the campaign: to reduce the burden of preventable cancers through informed decision-making and community engagement. The initiative will continue in cities across the country in the coming months, creating platforms for credible voices in healthcare to educate and empower the public.
Serum Institute of India, headquartered in Pune, is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume and has played a longstanding role in advancing public health in India and globally.
Notes to remember:
Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd. the World’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, has been at the forefront to offer affordable and high-quality vaccine innovations for over 5 decades. With a mission to protect lives globally, Serum Institute has made a landmark contribution to public health with the launch of Cervavac, India’s 1st Indigenously developed gender neutral quadrivalent HPV vaccine that can be given to both males and females.
- Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd leading cause of female cancer in India
- Women at risk for Cervical cancer (aged >=15 yrs.) is 4 million (51.4 Crore)
- Annual no of Cervical cancer new cases: 1,23,907
- Annual no of Cervical cancer deaths: 77,348
Source: ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and cancer 2023
