ASICON 2014 is a unique opportunity for scientific update and a quality gathering of HIV care givers and scientists. As always, we have a galaxy of renowned national and international luminaries in the field of HIV medicine.  The deliberations will help enhance our capacity to offer quality HIV care, add years to life and identify gaps in knowledge for research  in India. It will provide an opportunity to review, reflect upon and look forward to emerging newer approaches in care, cure and implementation. This milestone will offer invaluable opportunity to learn, share and care with 'Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice' as the theme.

The last decade has witnessed astounding evolution of ART- from treatment for privileged few to ‘Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and 'Test and Treat’. With abundant worldwide research on quality management and cure, it is time that we ingrain these concepts and knowledge into the mindsets of practicing HIV physicians and young researchers to be ready to embrace the possibility of finding cure.

Free ART Roll out by the NACO, including second-line ART necessitates periodic review of strategies in care continuum. Recently, the Government of India took a bold step towards integration of the Department of AIDS Control with its parent Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the new program – the National Health Mission. It is likely that there will be many challenges that HIV programming will face during this transitional period.  The private sector will be required to play a major supportive role during this period.  ASI will take a lead in this endeavour. 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 medicine experts constitute a highly specialised and motivated 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. Recent notifications from the Medical Council of India on dividing a line between genuine CMEs and pharma-promotion events has put a major onus on professional organizations like ASI to take up a leadership role. ASI has already taken a lead to enthuse young doctors and researchers. ASI conducted CMEs and partnered with other meets and conferences throughout the year in different parts of India and knowledge enhancement programmes abroad. At ASICON 2014, we will go beyond the scholarship programme and have intense training workshops followed by hands-on training in United Kingdom with the help of our trusted overseas faculty.From this year onwards, we shall be having a session on various regulatory bills impacting practice of medicine in the conference. Please block your dates and gear up for a great scientific feast this December.

We hope to see you soon at ASICON-2014!