Statement of Condolences

July 22, 2014

On behalf of the Global Health Policy Center, I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Joep Lange, Jacqueline van Tongeren, and the others who lost their lives on Malaysia Airlines flight 17 as they traveled to the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Lange was a true hero who dedicated his life to seeking better treatment and an eventual cure for millions around the globe with HIV and AIDS. All those bound for the Conference were committed to working towards a world without AIDS, and we all benefit and rely upon the lifelong commitments of these gifted individuals. The community of HIV/ AIDS activists, researchers, policy makers, and implementers has become remarkably vibrant over the last three decades, and this is a profoundly poignant loss. As we convene in the coming week, we hope to honor their memories by continuing their important work. 

Sincerely,

J. Stephen Morrison
Senior Vice President and Director, Global Health Policy Center
Center for Strategic and International Studies