- Serum Institute launches nationwide campaign to raise awareness on HPV-cancer
- The ‘Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025’ was launched in Ahmedabad on Saturday as part of a public health initiative led by the Serum Institute of India
- States such as Punjab, Sikkim, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra have announced free HPV vaccination programs for school girls in specific districts as part of pilot projects
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAY 31
Healthcare experts advocated that HPV infection peaks between the ages of 15 and 25 for both genders and targeting adolescent girls in the 9-14 age group with routine introduction of the HPV vaccine at nine years of age will help in timely prevention. And all couples entering into wedlock will have to take this vaccine as a preventive measure. Males can spread human papillomavirus (HPV) to their female partners and are also at risk, they said.
A days ahead of Cancer Survivors Day, the “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” was launched on Saturday 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.
Dr. Darshna K. Thakker said, “HPV is more prevalent in rural areas than urban areas owing to awareness. HPV infection peaks between the ages of 15 and 25 for both genders and targeting adolescent girls in the 9-14 age group with routine introduction of the HPV vaccine at nine years of age will help in timely prevention. And all couples entering into wedlock will have to take this vaccine as a preventive measure. Males can spread human papillomavirus (HPV) to their female partners and are also at risk. The Centre is contemplating to cover HPV vaccination under the universal immunization program.”
Dr. Chetan Trivedi said, “Cervavac is priced relatively lower than its international counterparts, with a two-dose vial available for Rs 4,000, making it Rs 2,000 per dose. The WHO has recommended a single-dose administration of the HPV vaccine for optimal protection. In government hospitals, including Primary Health Centres, this vaccination is available free of cost.”
“States such as Punjab, Sikkim, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra have announced free HPV vaccination programs for school girls in specific districts as part of pilot projects,” said Dr. Unmesh Upadhyay.
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.”
A Lancet study had found this to be as effective as global vaccines.
In her interim budget speech in 2024, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the government will encourage vaccination of girls in the age group of 9-14 years to prevent cervical cancer.
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.
- Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd leading cause of female cancer in India
- Women at risk for Cervical cancer (aged >=15 yrs.) is 511.4 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
