Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, such as cervical cancer, are a significant concern for women in India, ranking as the second highest cause of cancer among them.

Preventing cervical cancer is possible through timely vaccination and screening. However, in India, low awareness, high vaccine costs, and limited access have resulted in a vaccination rate as low as 1%, according to doctors at the 'Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave 2025' organized by the Serum Institute of India.

It's crucial to emphasize that HPV vaccination is not only important for women but also for men. Men can unknowingly carry the virus and transmit it to their sexual partners later in life, as highlighted by medical professionals.

During the event, experts like Dr. I. Vani from King George Hospital (KGH), Dr. R. Vidya Rama from Andhra Medical College (AMC), Dr. Sunanda Rani Gutta from Nikitha Hospital, Dr. Sai Sunil Kishore Manem from Medicover Hospital, and Dr. Buddha Murali Santosh from Motherly Women and Children Hospital, Vizag, shared their insights.

Dr. Vidya Rama and Dr. Sunanda Rani emphasized that the age group of 9 to 15 is the ideal time for administering the HPV vaccine to both girls and boys. Despite the availability of an earlier imported vaccine in India for over 15 years, poor compliance was noted due to lack of awareness, high costs, and other factors.

Now, an indigenous vaccine called cervavac, developed by the Serum Institute of India, is available at a more affordable price, making it more accessible.

While HPV is commonly linked to cervical cancer in women, it can also lead to serious conditions in men, such as penile cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts. Unlike girls, men do not have routine screening tests to detect early signs of HPV-related diseases, underscoring the importance of prevention.

Dr. Sunanda Rani highlighted that widespread vaccination could lead to herd immunity, protecting more individuals from the virus. She stressed the importance of taking two doses of the vaccine, as advocated by the slogan 'Do teeke zindagi ki' (two vaccine doses for life).

Dr. Vani mentioned that the HPV vaccine is highly effective, with up to a 98% success rate. With the availability of the indigenous vaccine at a lower cost, there is hope that the vaccination rate could increase to 90% or more. FOGSI has urged the Government of India to include HPV vaccination in the universal immunization program, a suggestion that is reportedly under consideration by the government.