7th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP)
November 27 to December 1, 2003

Welcome from the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee
Seven years have passed since the disastrous earthquake that killed
more than 5,000 people in 1995, and Kobe is now ready to host the 7th
International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) from
November 27 to December 1, 2003, to welcome its delegates and to send a message
of hope and solidarity to our region and the world.

The HIV epidemic, present throughout the Asia-Pacific region, is on the verge of
an explosive expansion. Even though the history of the epidemic is relatively
young in the region, it has hit susceptible populations hard, and its impact is
evident. The potential of HIV becoming more widespread among youth remains a
serious concern, and the actions taken now will likely determine the future
course of the epidemic in the region.

The goals of the 7th ICAAP, following the tradition of past ICAAP, are to
increase the understanding of the epidemic and related issues in the region,
share the lessons and hopes learned, and gain insights applicable to future
efforts. Under the theme "Bridging Science and Community", the Congress,
encouraging a greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS and other
affected communities, will present the most recent achievements in science
and community work and will encompass efforts and activities related to
prevention, care and treatment at all levels.

The 7th ICAAP will be held in 2003, the year by which the Declaration of
Commitment of the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in 2001
requires member states to establish strategies to meet their national
goals. We are privileged to invite delegates from throughout the region and
the world to share their wisdom and to strengthen our solidarity in the
fight against HIV/AIDS in what is sure to be a milestone year of global efforts.

Tadamitsu Kishimoto
Chair, The 7th ICAAP Organizing Committee
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The 7th ICAAP welcomes abstracts and proposals for oral Sessions, Poster
Presentations, Skills Building Workshops and Cultural Programs. There
is only one Form for all of the above sessions regardless of the content
of the abstract or proposal.

There are four types of abstracts/proposals:

1. Abstracts for Oral Sessions and Poster Sessions
(A): suitable for scientific research
2. Abstracts for Oral Sessions and Poster Sessions

(B): suitable for experience
3. Proposals for Skills Building Workshop
4. Proposals for Cultural Program
Each of the above abstracts or proposals should follow the styles
illustrated on the next page.

Deadline : April 15, 2003
Submission via website Submission via the Congress website is strongly
encouraged. for more information, please visit the ICAAP website:
www.icaap7.jp