The Serum Institute of India organized the 'Conquer HPV and Cancer Conclave' to raise awareness about HPV vaccination and its role in preventing cervical and other cancers. Experts emphasized the significance of early vaccination and introduced Cervavac, India's first indigenous HPV vaccine, as an affordable solution for both genders.

In Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, the event aimed to educate the public about the sexually transmitted infection Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Dr. B. Murli Santosh, a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, highlighted the alarming statistics of cervical cancer in Indian women and stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing this deadly disease.

Dr. Santosh explained that despite the availability of the HPV vaccine for the past decade, there is a lack of awareness among the Indian population due to cost constraints and misconceptions. He recommended early-age vaccinations between 9 to 14 years and 15 to 45 years to achieve maximum protection against HPV-related cancers.

Dr. R Vidya Rama, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, discussed the expanding role of HPV vaccination beyond cervical cancer to include other cancers in both men and women. She emphasized the need for vaccination before sexual exposure and highlighted the affordability of the new quadrivalent vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India.

Collaborating with India's Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, Serum Institute of India introduced Cervavac, the country's first gender-neutral quadrivalent HPV vaccine. The institute is conducting a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the vaccine and its importance in preventing HPV-related cancers.