Goa SACS organized the first GIPA Convention in the state. The objectives of the convention were to Strengthen partnership among all key stake holders to increase linkages and over all HIV response, Identify the capacity building needs of PLHIV/Key Populations, Increase awareness about the needs and Scope of CABA, PLHIV and Key Population (KP), Involve and sensitise other line departments to inclusion of PLHIV in existing schemes and increase uptake, Reducing Stigma and Discrimination and Treatment literacy.

The programme began with a welcome address by the Project Director of Goa SACS Dr.Jose D’Sa. He explained the scenario of PLHAs in the state. The Secretary Health Shri. Sudhir Mahajan, IAS in his address spoke about internal stigma among PLHA’S and how HIV should be mainstreamed within organisations.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Shri Laxmikant Parsekar was the Chief Guest and he urged people to stop discriminating against people with HIV. "It is stigma and discrimination that kills people with HIV/AIDS more than the infection". A Poster on Social security schemes and a short film on services of GSACS were released. A Tablet application supporting the Outreach workers of Vihaan project to efficiently serve the HIV+ clients was distributed to all the ORWs and Peer Counselor of Vihaan. The Dean of Goa Medical College Dr. Pradeep Naik and CMO Family Welfare Bureau Directorate of Health Services, Dr. Vandana Dhume, Mr. Ravi Bhushan PO (IEC & Mainstreaming) National AIDS Control Organisation were also present at the inaugural.