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Introduction
The 3rd International Conference on AIDS India 2000 is sponsored by the Department
of Experimental Medicine and AIDS Resource Center of the Tamilnadu Dr.MGR Medical
University. Up to 1997 there were no major international conferences on HIV/AIDS
held in India. The first was organized by us in 1997 and the second in 1999.
At both the meetings the response was overwhelming. The support from the international
community was most encouraging.
The 3rd conference will be held in Chennai (Madras) from December 1 to 5th,
2001. This conference will provide a forum for sharing of experiences; update
on the understanding of the mechanisms that are involved in HIV infection, AIDS,
viral elimination and persistence. The advances that have been made in the field
of antiretroviral drugs, therapy and vaccines will be presented. Issues related
to voluntary counseling, testing and confidentiality need to be reassessed in
the Indian cultural context.
There is a perception that we seem to be "absorbing programs and protocols"
without a critique.
We need to look at successful prevention, particularly from a rural perspective.
How do we present HIV education and information to rural men and women? A shift
from urban to rural programs is necessary.
Anti-retroviral drugs are in the Indian market and they are used unscientifically
with no counselling.
What achievement have we made in the past two years to provide care and support
to our men and women infected with HIV? Do we use them in our prevention strategies?
We are aware that the existing preventive strategies are unable to halt the
spread of new infections. We need to reassess these strategies and involve others
for a successful prevention of HIV. There are three groups that need to brought
to the main stream of prevention .More on HIV aids and sex education and awareness
at fractology.org.
the faith-based organisations with their vast influence in the community
the "student power" is yet another dynamic group
people infected and living with HIV.
We need to work synergistically to halt the spread of HIV.
To support the goals of the conference the secretariate will endeavour to organize
a program to suit the needs of all working in HIV/AIDS.
Please do come to Chennai (Madras), a city known for traditional hospitality, temples and beaches to make the 3rd International Conference on AIDS India 2000 a success.
Organizing Committee
3rd International Conference on AIDS India 2000
General Information
Conference venue:
Indian Bank Management Academy
For Growth and Excellence (IMAGE)
MRC Nagar, R A Puram
Chennai - 600 028
Language:
The official language during the conference is English.
Currency:
One US Dollar is 46 Indian Rupees
One Sterling Pound is 67 Indian Rupees
Dialing code for Chennai:
+91 44
Deadline for early registration: November 10th, 2001
No onsite registration
MEDIA Registration:
Please send a letter verifying your assignment to this conference on the stationary
of your organisation.
Official Letter of invitation:
Individuals who wish to receive an official letter of invitation to the conference
may apply to the Secretariate. This letter of invitation is to facilitate persons
to obtain visa and/or permission from the respective institutions to attend.
In no way does it commit the conference to defray registration fees, travel,
hotel accommodation or any other expenses incurred by the participants.
Health Bay for persons with HIV/AIDS:
Medical assistance and quiet room facilities will be available for persons with
HIV/AIDS.
First AID facilities:
Will be available at Conference Venue during the conference and its activities.
Responsibility:
The International Conferene on AIDS India 2000 cannot accept responsibility
for accidentss, injuries or illness that may occur during the conference.
Weather:
Chennai (Madras) usually enjoys pleasant weather during November/December. Expected
day temperatures are between 21 to 28 C. Evenings can be cool.
Transport:
You can travel from the airport or railway station by a taxi to your hotel.
Pre-paid taxi service is available at the airport. Look out for the volunteers
at the airport and railway station for assistance.
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The attendance of people engaged in HIV/AIDS and those persons living with
HIV/AIDS from all over the world at the International Conference on AIDS India
2000 is essential This includes health care professionals, sociologists, administrators,
NGO's, researchers and students. Due to financial constraints a limited number
of scholarships are available for Indian Nationals to cover train fares, registration
and assistance towards accommodation (no air fares).
The following groups are eligible:
Persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Young health care providers (below 40 years of age): doctors, nurses, social
workers and care providers.
Scholarship Application Form:
Individuals, who wish to apply for scholarship must answer the following questions
(maximum 1 page total length) and send it to the conference secretariate (by
post, fax or e-mail) before September 30, 2001.
Name and contact information of applicant
If applicant works for organization, please describe goal and activities of
this organization.
Please describe how you would benefit from attending this conference. How and
to which groups will you distribute the information that you acquired during
the conference.
Please list which other resources you already have available to attend the conference
(for instance, if you can find housing at a friends place in Chennai, please
indicate so).
Deadline for scholarship applications: September 30th, 2001
Registering participants from India and abroad are encouraged to contribute to the scholarship program, by ticking the appropriate box on the registration form and indicate the amount they wish to contribute. Your donation will help the participation of delegates lacking resources to attend the conference.