Chandigarh, 26 February 2026:The National HIV/AIDS Conference AIDSCON–14: “Towards an AIDS-Free World” was inaugurated today at Hotel Mountview, Chandigarh. The two-day conference is being jointly organized by the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society and the National AIDS Control Organization under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The conference witnessed wide participation from delegates across the country.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Secretary Health, UT Chandigarh, and Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services, UT Chandigarh.

In his keynote address, the Chief Secretary appreciated India’s structured HIV response under the National AIDS & STI Control Programme (NACP) and reiterated the Administration’s commitment to achieving epidemic control through evidence-based and community-driven strategies. Emphasizing the 95-95-95 vision, he stated that the target should move beyond 99%, as individuals unaware of their HIV status pose a continued risk to society. He urged intensified motivation of high-risk populations to come forward for free and confidential HIV testing, highlighting that such proactive engagement is vital for eliminating HIV from society.

Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Secretary Health, UT Chandigarh, stated that with sustained collaboration, scientific advancement, and responsible governance, the nation can progress towards an AIDS-free generation.

Ms. Bharti Sahai, Director, NACO, delivered the thematic address on “Mission AIDS Suraksha: Accelerating India’s Path to HIV Epidemic Control — Strategic Priorities for Achieving 95-95-99 and Triple Elimination.” She emphasized strengthening testing strategies, optimizing ART regimens, expanding viral load monitoring, and integrating responses for HIV, TB, and viral hepatitis.

Dr. Sadbhavna Pandit, Project Director, Chandigarh SACS, delivered the welcome address highlighting Chandigarh’s progress in HIV prevention, care, and community engagement. She called for accelerated action under NACP Phase–V, aligned with national and global commitments, to achieve 95–95–95 and transition towards 95–95–99 by December 2026. She emphasized that an AIDS-free world requires strong partnerships across government departments, healthcare systems, civil society, community networks, academia, and development partners.

Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services, UT Chandigarh, highlighted decentralization as one of the greatest achievements of the national programme, bringing services closer to communities. Community-based screening, differentiated ART delivery models, viral load monitoring, and integrated counselling services have strengthened retention in care and improved treatment outcomes.

During the ceremony, the conference booklet “Sankalp” was formally released. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks.

The scientific deliberations commenced with Session 1: “From Diagnosis to Durable Suppression – Strengthening the HIV Care Continuum.” Experts discussed advancements in laboratory systems, viral load testing, long-term management of co-morbidities among People Living with HIV (PLHIV), and strengthening STI laboratories under NACP.

Dr. Ishwar Gilada, President Emeritus, AIDS Society of India and Governing Council Member, International AIDS Society, Mumbai, spoke on aging with HIV, focusing on long-term co-morbidity management and quality of life.

Session 2: “Evolving Epidemics and Integrated Responses in HIV Care” addressed HIV-TB co-infection, shifting epidemiological trends, community-centric ART adherence models, and hepatitis B awareness among key populations.
Dr. Sunil K. Arora, Former Professor & In-charge, HIV Diagnostic and Disease Monitoring Laboratory, Department of Immunopathology, PGIMER, spoke on issues related to HIV-TB co-infection.

Post-lunch, Session 3: “Ensuring Safe Blood” focused on donor recruitment and retention, updated donor selection guidelines, donor counselling, management of adverse donor reactions, and the growing need for dedicated apheresis services to ensure a safe blood ecosystem.

The day concluded with Session 4: “Breaking Barriers – Addressing Stigma, Risk, and Access in HIV Prevention and Care.” Experts highlighted stigma and discrimination faced by PLHIV, risk assessment among high-risk groups, awareness initiatives, and innovative digital interventions such as BREAKFREE+ aimed at ensuring fear-free access to services.

The first day witnessed enthusiastic participation from clinicians, epidemiologists, public health administrators, researchers, community representatives, and development partners from across the region. The deliberations reinforced the collective commitment to achieving NACO’s 95-95-99 targets and advancing towards an AIDS-free future.

The conference will continue tomorrow with sessions focusing on innovation, digital interventions, community-led models, precision prevention, and integrated HIV care strategies.