Today Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot out of the sky. All 298 people on board, passengers and crew alike, were killed.
As reports began to circulate about the people on board – their nationalities, and the occasional name – it was also revealed that up to one hundred of those passengers on board were HIV and AIDS researchers, activists and officials who were headed to the AIDS 2014 conference in Melbourne.
Among them was President of International AIDS Society and father-of-five Joep Lange, HIV researchers Dr Lucie van Mens, Martine de Schutter, Pim de Kuijer and Jacqueline van Tongeren, as well as the World Health Organisation’s Glenn Thomas.
Colleagues and friends of those who are believed to have been on board have been sharing their condolences, through social media, statements and press conferences.
UNAIDS director Michael Sidibe tweeted, “My thoughts & prayers to families of those tragically lost on flight #MH17. Many passengers were enroute to #AIDS2014 here in #Melbourne.”
President of the International AIDS Society Professor Francoise Barré-Sinousi told media in Canberra, “It’s a very sad day. I apologise if I don’t feel so well.”
And Canadian HIV researcher Trevor Stratton asked the ABC, “What if the cure for AIDS was on that flight?”
Canadian HIV researcher Trevor Stratton ‘what if the cure for Aids was on that flight.’ Sydney conference told 100+ HIV researchers killed.
— Lucy Carter (@lucethoughts) July 18, 2014