The first aidsfocus.ch conference "Living with HIV/AIDS" on April 20, 2004, was a successful and inspiring event. It succeeded to make the demand for comprehensive treatment and care for all, including antiretroviral therapy, an issue of public discussion. More than 80 persons from Swiss NGOs, development organisations, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) participated at the conference. Six guest speakers from Switzerland and Africa presented a wealth of information and experience on AIDS treatment and care in resource poor settings in the South and East. In lively group discussions, the participants reflected not only on the challenges ahead, but also identified options and activities for their own organisations in promoting comprehensive treatment and care for all and expressed their personal commitment for further action.