Message
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the ASICON 2013 Organizing Committee, it is our esteemed privilege to welcome you to the most awaited conference on HIV, at the prestigious Palladium Hotel (formerly Shangri-La) Mumbai from December 13th to 15th, 2013. This is the official conference of AIDS Society of India and maintains a truly national character with international academic standards.
ASICON 2013 is yet another unique opportunity for scientific update and a quality gathering of HIV care givers and scientists. We have an esteemed faculty of who’s who from India and overseas. The deliberations will help enhance our capacity to offer quality HIV care and prioritise research issues in India. It will provide an opportunity to review, reflect upon and look forward to emerging newer approaches in care. This milestone will offer invaluable opportunity to learn, share and care with 'Scaling New Heights - From Prevention & Treatment…Towards Cure' as the theme.
The last decade has witnessed astounding evolution of ART- from treatment of few to ‘Treatment as Prevention’ - TasP and now to 'Test and Treat'. With abundant worldwide research on vaccines and cure, it is time that we ingrain these concepts and knowledge into the mindsets of practicing HIV physicians and young researchers. The possibility of finding a cure doesn’t seem to be a distant dream.
Free ART Roll out by the NACO, including second-line ART necessitates periodic review of strategies in care continuum. While the government, pharmaceuticals and NGOs are making intense efforts to enhance access to care, ASI is duty-bound to strengthen its quality implementation through scientific update from time to time. By partnering with the Forum of Parliamentarians on HIV/AIDS, ASI has taken the initiative to influence policy makers and planners on the needs and aspirations of PLHIV as also on the role of HIV physicians.
Compared to other branches of Medicine, HIV/AIDS practitioners are a small fraternity. Unless there is innovation and renewed energy with participation from the young minds, such conferences will end-up being just a ritual of annual get-together. ASI has therefore taken a lead to enthuse young doctors and researchers. ASI conducted CMEs throughout the year from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from Ahmedabad to Shillong. At ASICON 2013, we will go beyond the scholarship programme - we have planned intense training workshops followed by hands-on training in United Kingdom with the help of our trusted overseas faculty.
Please block your dates and gear up for a great scientific feast this December. We hope to see you soon at ASICON-2013!
Dr. Ishwar Gilada
President