Health

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The  push to combat the growing burden of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers, leading medical professionals, researchers, and public health advocates gathered in Kolkata this week for a high-level medical summit. The event, organized in collaboration with national cancer institutes and regional health authorities, aimed to raise awareness, share research insights, and strategize action plans to curb HPV-driven cancers, particularly cervical cancer, which remains a major health challenge in India.

Held at the Tata Medical Center, the conference saw participation from oncologists, gynecologists, epidemiologists, and public health policymakers from across the country. The discussions centered around the latest advancements in HPV vaccination, early screening technologies, and public awareness campaigns, with a strong focus on collaborative efforts between government and private health sectors.

Dr. Arpita Roy, an oncologist at Tata Medical Center, opened the session by highlighting the urgent need for widespread awareness and preventive healthcare. “Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, HPV continues to cause thousands of preventable cancer cases in India each year. This is not just a medical issue—it’s a public health failure we must correct,” she said.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection known to cause multiple forms of cancer, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. In India, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and HPV is responsible for over 95% of these cases. Yet, the rate of HPV vaccination remains low, especially in rural and underserved populations.

One of the key sessions at the conference focused on the rollout of the indigenous HPV vaccine, Cervavac, developed by the Serum Institute of India. Experts believe that this cost-effective, locally produced vaccine could be a game-changer in India’s efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. “With the government now including HPV vaccination in its national immunization program, we are optimistic that we can reach millions of girls before they are exposed to the virus,” said Dr. Vikram Kapoor, a senior virologist.

A major concern discussed was the stigma and misinformation surrounding HPV and its vaccines. Many parents hesitate to vaccinate their children due to a lack of awareness or cultural taboos around sexual health. To tackle this, the panel emphasized the need for community-based education campaigns, school-based vaccination drives, and the involvement of local health workers in disseminating accurate information.

The conference also showcased successful case studies from states like Sikkim and Delhi, where school-based HPV vaccination programs have already demonstrated encouraging results. These examples were presented as models that could be scaled nationally with the right political and logistical support.

Early detection through regular screening was another critical aspect discussed at the summit. “Pap smears and HPV DNA tests are highly effective in identifying pre-cancerous lesions. However, access remains limited in many parts of India,” noted Dr. Leena D’Souza, a gynecologic oncologist. She called for investment in mobile screening units and digital health tools to reach women in remote areas.

The summit concluded with a call to action urging state governments, NGOs, and healthcare professionals to commit to eliminating HPV-related cancers through vaccination, screening, and public education. The participants agreed to form a task force to monitor progress, streamline data collection, and facilitate training for healthcare workers.

As India continues to battle the growing cancer burden, gatherings like this in Kolkata reflect a shifting paradigm—from treatment to prevention. The consensus is clear: with the right strategies, community engagement, and political will, HPV-related cancers can be eliminated in the coming decades.