Sat May 31 15:44:51 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Serum Institute of India (SII) launched the “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” in Kochi as part of a nationwide public health initiative addressing the significant burden of HPV-related diseases in India, particularly cervical cancer. India reports over 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and over 77,000 deaths annually. The conclave emphasized the importance of early awareness and prevention, as peak HPV infection occurs between the ages of 15-25.
**News Article:**
**National HPV & Cancer Initiative Launched Amidst High Cervical Cancer Rates in India**
**KOCHI -** The Serum Institute of India (SII) has initiated a nationwide public health campaign with the launch of the “Conquer HPV & Cancer Conclave 2025” in Kochi on Saturday, May 31st. The initiative aims to combat the significant burden of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases in India, with a primary focus on cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women in the country.
According to data from the ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (2023), India reports over 1.23 lakh new cervical cancer cases and over 77,000 related deaths annually. The conclave highlighted that HPV is not limited to cervical cancer, also playing a role in a significant percentage of anal and penile cancers.
Speakers at the event emphasized the critical need for early awareness and preventative measures, noting that peak HPV infection rates occur between the ages of 15 and 25. The initiative aims to raise awareness and promote early intervention strategies to curb the spread of HPV and ultimately reduce cancer rates across the country. The Conclave signals a renewed effort to tackle HPV-related diseases, offering hope for improved public health outcomes in the years to come.