Gujarat : CIDSCON 2026 to Put Infectious Disease Challenges in Focus

GANDHINAGAR: As antimicrobial resistance and emerging infections continue to challenge healthcare systems, leading infectious disease specialists from India and abroad will converge in Gandhinagar for CIDSCON 2026, a four-day conference aimed at shaping stronger strategies for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

The 16th Annual Conference of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS) will be held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 20 to 23.

Health Minister Prafull Pansheriya will inaugurate the conference and unveil a book on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) authored by an eminent infectious diseases specialist.

The conference will bring together infectious disease experts, clinicians, microbiologists, researchers and healthcare professionals from India and overseas, including faculty from the US and Singapore.

The programme will begin on August 20 with specialised workshops covering infectious disease fundamentals, microbiology and infection control, immunocompromised patients, surgical infections and emerging technology.

One of the key attractions will be a dedicated workshop on artificial intelligence in infectious disease practice. Participants will examine applications of AI beyond language models and explore how the technology can support clinical decision-making.

“AI is rapidly becoming an important tool in healthcare, but its role must be understood alongside human clinical judgement,” organisers said, highlighting the need for practical and responsible adoption.

The main scientific programme will address antimicrobial resistance, tuberculosis, HIV, tropical infections, fungal diseases, virology, infection control and antimicrobial stewardship. Experts will also discuss next-generation sequencing, phage therapy and AI-enabled clinical practice.

A special session on August 22 will focus on AMR containment in Gujarat, including the Gujarat State AMR Surveillance Network (GUJSAR-N), antimicrobial stewardship monitoring and laboratory-based surveillance through an AMR dashboard.

The conference will also feature challenging case discussions, poster presentations, awards and dedicated sessions for postgraduate students and fellows.

Organising Chairman Dr Atul Patel and Organising Co-Chairman Dr Harsh Toshniwal, along with other CIDS office-bearers and organisers, will participate in the event.

The conference is expected to provide a major platform for experts to exchange knowledge and develop practical approaches to some of the most pressing infectious disease challenges facing India.