The BC-CfE Marks this World AIDS Day with a Remembrance of the Scientists Lost on Flight MH17

published on December 1, 2014

This year, World AIDS Day, is a reminder of the need to continue working together to put an end to the global AIDS epidemic. It is also a day in remembrance of the tragic loss in July of six of the world’s leading scientists in the field of HIV and AIDS. Joep Lange, Jacqueline van Tongeren, Glenn Thomas, Lucie van Mens, Martine de Schutter and Pim de Kuijer were lost on route to the 20th International AIDS Conference in the crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

The BC-CfE worked especially closely with Dr. Joep Lange, a Dutch clinical researcher in HIV. Lange, who was 59, was one of the pioneering researchers of antiretroviral therapy, the foundation of the Treatment as Prevention strategy for improving the health of those with HIV while reducing the spread of the disease. Through the organization he founded called PharmAccess Foundation, Lange advocated for providing universal access to HIV drug treatment and other forms of health care to those in need in developing countries.

“We collaborated closely for many years and were in the trenches together in fighting for support to end HIV and AIDS around the world through treatment,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, director of the BC-CfE. “Dr. Joep Lange left behind a legacy through his prolific work in research, advocacy, and writing. He was also a great friend and is deeply missed.”

The International AIDS Society (IAS), organizers of the International AIDS Conference, said they had “truly lost a giant” in Lange, who was deeply respected by his peers. Lange was a former president of the IAS (2002–04).

The work of Lange and the other scientists lost will be continued at the upcoming IAS Conference this July 19-22 in Vancouver. It is the responsibility of scientists, organizations, and governments around the world to follow the scientists' collective call for an evidence-based approach in addressing the global HIV epidemic.

“It is with urgency that the BC-CfE and others call on governments to share and provide the resources that can bring access to HIV treatment to as many as possible,” said Dr. Montaner. “Doing so fulfills a basic human rights responsibility. Now, the call comes with the added gravity of honouring the legacy of the scientists sadly lost this year.”

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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The BC-CfE Marks this World AIDS Day with a Remembrance of the Scientists Lost on Flight MH17

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