Guwahati, May 20: The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, launched its nationwide “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” on Tuesday in Guwahati. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its strong link to multiple cancers, with a focus on early prevention and education.
India bears a heavy burden of HPV-related cancers. Cervical cancer, largely driven by HPV, is the second most common cancer among Indian women. According to the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), the country reports over 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and more than 77,000 deaths every year. HPV is also associated with up to 90% of anal cancers and 63% of penile cancers, as well as cancers of the vulva, vagina, and oropharynx—affecting both men and women.
The Guwahati conclave brought together a panel of medical and public health professionals who stressed the urgency of addressing this silent epidemic. The session featured Dr. Devajit Sarma (Satribari Christian Hospital), Dr. Himleena Gautam and Dr. Rekha K Borkotoky (Apollo Hospitals), Dr. Arun M Boruah (Apollo Fertility), and Dr. Siddhartha Hazarika (Guwahati-based oncosurgeon). It was moderated by Dr. Rashna Dass Hazarika (Nemcare Superspecialty Hospital & RIGPA Children’s Clinic).
The discussion focused on the need to educate adolescents and parents, the critical role of healthcare providers in preventive care, and the importance of early intervention—especially since HPV infection peaks between the ages of 15 and 25.
Experts underscored that HPV-related cancers are preventable and that awareness is the first line of defence.
The event concluded with an open forum that encouraged audience interaction, reinforcing the campaign’s core mission: to empower communities with credible information to reduce the burden of preventable cancers.
This public health push is supported by introducing Cervavac, India’s first indigenously developed, gender-neutral quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Developed by the Serum Institute, Cervavac can be administered to both males and females, representing a major step forward in accessible cancer prevention.
The “Conquer HPV & Cancer” campaign will expand to cities across India in the coming months, bringing together medical voices and community leaders to drive informed action nationwide.
