Invitation: The 4th International Conference on AIDS India

Theme: Comprehensive Solutions - Now
VENUE: Chennai, INDIA
DATE: November 9th-12th, 2003

The 4th International conference on AIDS India is organized once
every two years by the Department of Experimental Medicine and AIDS
Resource center of the TN DR MGR Medical University. The first
conference was held in 1997, the second in 1999, the third in 2001
and the fourth conference is slated to be held in the IMAGE
conference center Chennai (Madras) from the Nov 9th – 12th, 2003.

At all the three conferences the response was overwhelming and the
support from the internal community was most encouraging. We thank
all those from India and Overseas who supported the conferences
financially and by their participation. Without their continued
support and encouragement the planning for the fourth conference
would not be possible. I thank also the President of the conference
the revered Vice – Chancellor, Dr.C.V.Bhirmanandham for his guidance.

The 4th AIDS India conference will provide a platform for sharing of
new information, experiences and current updates. What then are the
new developments that have taken place in the field of HIV/AIDS in
the past two years?

Earnest Preventive strategies to halt the spread of HIV infection is
in place and the NACO's efforts complimented by the various regional
control societies need commendation. Several NGOs in the country are
concerned of the needs of the PLWA. NACO's antiretroviral prophylaxis
to prevent the mother to child transmission has moved from a
feasibility study to a programme. In our MTCT programme at the
Namakkal district, in addition to the services at the district head
quarters hospital the VCTC services are provided to include the PHC's
and the tribes at the Kolli hills, with the objective to reach out
to " Every women and infant in the district of Namakkal". ART and
Drug Access have got a shot in the arm by publication of the WHO
guidelines and the International HIV Treatment Access coalition
(ITAC)- these initiatives need to be strengthened. However some of
these plans are still on the drawing boards and have not filtered
down to where the patients are!

Some funding agencies are skeptical of providing ART while others
like the Global fund are forthright in funding CARE initiatives that
include ART

Prejudice and stigma attached to the disease are still perpetuated
within and outside the health care settings.

We have seen some set backs in the field of HIV Vaccine that may
assist in the Prevention. Several encouraging reports suggest that
more funding is awarded to Microbicide research and clinical trails.
This is a positive step in the prevention efforts.

We are working to ensure that the conference will address the needs
of all those working in the field of HIV/AIDS and living with the
virus.

The 4th International Conference on AIDS INDIA is organized to cover
a wide range of issues related to HIV/AIDS and to encourage sharing
of recent developments.

The programme will include plenary sessions, workshops, expert
sessions and satellite meetings. These satellite meetings will
provide an opportunity to various agencies to organize sessions that
may contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS

Warm welcome awaits you in Chennai

Dr. NM Samuel
Chairman
______________
Contact details:

Scientific Program Information:
Dr. S. Mini Jacob
Tel: +91 44 22354203
Fax: +91 44 22353698
Email: demaids@...
Website: www.aidsindia2003.org


Scholarship Program Information:
Dr. S Parameshwari
Tel: +91 44 22354203
Fax: +91 44 22353698
Email: demaids@...
Website: www.aidsindia2003.org


Exhibition Display Information:
Dr. Shoba
Tel: +91 44 22354203
Fax: +91 44 22353698
Email: demaids@...
Website: www.aidsindia2003.org


Travel/accommodation Information:
Mr. R. Vishwanath
Tel: +91 44 22354203
Fax: +91 44 22353698
Email: demaids@...
Website: www.aidsindia2003.org