Since the original description of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1981 and the establishment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as its etiological agent in 1983, this infection is now recognized world wide. Almost every country has suffered from this pandemic in many ways. The disease not only dwarfed all other medical conditions, but also has been the greatest social enigma and has shown its impact on the global economy.

The discovery of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been a boon to the HIV infected persons, but this has posed a major challenge to health workers. Due to HAART many more HIV infected persons are living longer, but most of these infected can not afford it for life long. In view of this, several nations including India have started providing free ART. Whether or not on HAART, the life time risk of contracting opportunistic infections (OI) is extremely high. Also concerns of resistance to anti-retroviral drugs have become important. Recently several breakthroughs have occurred in the field of HIV  such as  co-pathogens of HIV, receptor attachment, neuropathology, tissue tropism, testing guidelines for diagnosis and blood safety, opt-out and universal testing strategies, drug resistance mechanisms and future vaccine candidates against HIV. The pattern of OIs and the treatment protocols also differ from country to country and region to region. Most of these issues  will be discussed during this unique conference.

I, on behalf of myself, the organizing committee and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, cordially invite you all to this historic capital city of India to participate in this very important scientific meeting. The floriculture view and weather of Delhi during this period is most spectacular and pleasant. The delegates are encouraged to visit lutyens Delhi. The dates are fixed in such a way that the delegates can witness India's Republic Day celebration parade on 26th January at India Gate, and also the spectacular beating retreat of Indian Army on the evening of 29th January. We have arranged complimentary passes to all the pre-registered delegates for these events. I once again wish your stay at Delhi very happy, safe and academically fruitful.   

Sarman Singh, MD, FAMS 
Chairman, Organising Committee 
Department of Laboratory Medicine 
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029 

Since the original description of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1981 and the establishment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as its etiological agent in 1983, this infection has now been recognized world wide. Recently several new observations have been made in the field of HIV  such as  co-pathogens of HIV, receptor attachment, neuropathology, tissue tropism, testing guidelines for diagnosis and blood safety, opt-out and universal testing strategies, drug resistance mechanisms and future vaccine candidates against HIV. The pattern of OIs and the treatment protocols also differ from country to country and region to region. The faculty of the All India Institute of medical Sciences has been doing excellent work on AIDS and AIDS associated opportunistic infections such as non-tubercular mycobacteriosis,  XDR tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, and  co-pathogens likes Herpes and hepatitis viruses. I am sure that most of these issues will be discussed during this unique conference.

I, on behalf of myself and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, cordially invite you all to this historic capital city of India to participate in this very important scientific meeting. The dates are fixed in such a way that the delegates can witness India's Republic Day celebration parade on 26th January at India Gate, and also the spectacular beating retreat of Indian Armies on the evening of 29th January.  

Director
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029