DECEMBER 2014, Vol. 15, No. 4   SAJHIVMED     117 

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EMESSAGE 

From the Executive
This is our final issue before the end of the year, and what a 
year it has been. There is no doubt that the high point for the 
Society was our second biennial conference in September. 
We had an even better turn-out than our first conference 
in 2012, with over 900 delegates from across South Africa 
and the world. Of course I am biased, but I thought that 
a really good time was had by all. The conference opened 
on a public holiday (Heritage Day) and I thought no one 
would turn up – to my surprise over 600 people attended 
the opening session. The plenaries were of an international 
standard and featured national and global experts. The 
opening plenary on the elimination of TB by Dick Chaisson 
reminded me that while we may be turning the tide on the 
HIV epidemic, we have lots still to do regarding TB. There 
were thought-provoking debates that at times I thought may 
end in fisticuffs (academic of course). While the programme 
focused on clinical aspects of HIV, I received many positive 
comments about the ethics sessions, and as usual, the skills-
building sessions were oversubscribed. I was also particularly 
impressed with the quality of abstracts we received. The nine 
submissions judged ‘the best’ by a panel of researchers have 
been included  in this issue. I hope you will read them. 

On a private note, there were some other highlights. One 
exhibit featured an ice-cream guru who, after asking you some 
questions, would provide you a personalised dessert. Not sure 
if it fits in with healthy living, but there was much laughter 
and fun. Occasional  sightings of the Springbok rugby team, 
who were staying in a hotel opposite the conference centre, 
also added to my experience. But most of all, I was affected by 
the realisation that I have the privilege to head up a fantastic 
membership organisation of HIV clinicians. I met old friends 
and made many new ones. We are all bound by a common 
purpose. The team who organised this conference, led by 

Lauren Jankelowitz, did a superb 
job. So brace yourselves, there 
will be another one in 2016. Save 
up your pennies and get your 
research done so that you, too, 
can be part of this experience. 

Francesca Conradie
President: Southern African HIV 
Clinicians Society
fconradie@witshealth.co.za

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13-16 April 2016
Sandton Convention Centre

3RD SOUTHERN AFRICAN  
HIV CLINICIANS SOCIETY 
CONFERENCE

SAVE THE DATE