Serum Institute of India Launches NationwideHPV-Cancer Public Awareness Campaign

By Kalinga Voice Last updated Jun 19, 2025

Medical Experts Join Forces in Bhubaneshwar to Tackle HPV Associated Cancers

National, 18 June, 2025: The “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” was launched today in Bhubaneshwaras 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 Bhubaneshwar event, a panel of medical specialists engaged in an in-depth discussion about the public health implications of HPV. The panel included:

Dr. Tushar Kar Professor & Unit Head, Dept. of OBGYN, SCB Medical College, Cuttack. President- AOGO (2020-24)
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nayak Professor – Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, AIHPGIC, Cuttack. Governing Council Member, ICOG (2021-24)
Dr. Mrutunjay Dash Professor, Dept of Pediatrics, IMS and SUM Hospital – SOA (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar. Secretary General- IAP OSB (2025-26)
Dr. Pyarilal Tripathy Director and Chief Fertility Consultant at Kishori Hospital & IVF, Odisha
Dr. Susrut Das Founder And Director – Sambhav: Early Childhood Development Centre. Secretary IAP City Branch, BBSR

The session was moderated by Dr. Sunil Kumar Agarwalla Professor, Pediatrics, SCBMC & SVPPGIP, Cuttack. CIAP EB Member (2017, 2024). ACVIP Member (2020-21). 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,” saidParag 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 Bhubaneshwar 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.