HIV/AIDS experts are likely to be amongst the victims of the crash of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Ukraine.
Many researchers are believed to have been on the flight traveling to the World AIDS Conference which is due to start in Melbourne this weekend.
The 20th International AIDS Conference is scheduled to begin on Sunday with over 25,000 delegates expected to attend.
298 people, including 27 Australians were on board the flight which is believed to be shot down by a surface to air missile over the Ukraine yesterday evening.
It has been reported that over 100 of the passengers onboard the flight were heading to the AIDS conference including several World Health Organisation staff members.
Sunday 20th July: Update: The figure of over 100 attendees of the 2014 Melbourne World AIDS conference was incorrect. On Saturday July 19th the International Society of AIDS researchers announced six leading researchers were on the place.
Amongst those reported to have been on the flight was Joep Lange, former President of the International AIDS Society. Professor Lange was a leading researcher of HIV/AIDS and the founder of the Pharm Access Foundation, a non profit group that worked to combat the pandemic in developing countries.
Owen Ryan, Director of the 2014 AIDS Conference spoke to the media this morning and said that while reports were still unconfirmed it had been reported that the organisation’s former President was on board.
“If that is the case, then the international AIDS movement has truly lost a giant,” Ryan said.
The International AIDS Society released a statement expressing it’s sadness at the news.
“The International AIDS Society (IAS) today expresses its sincere sadness at receiving news that a number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight that has crashed over Ukraine earlier today.
“At this incredibly sad and sensitive time the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy.”
AFAO Executive Director, Rob Lake, said the loss of delegates, including leading HIV activists and scientists is devastating.
“We extend our very deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all of those who were aboard the Malaysian Airlines flight that crashed in the Ukraine.
“This morning’s news is absolutely tragic and will be felt throughout the conference and worldwide.
“The people we have lost have played critical roles in the global fight against HIV.” Lake said.
OIP Staff, image: Stock image YayMicro / AnnieLim
This breaking news report being updated regularly and subject to change. UPDATE: Sunday 10:43pm At a press conference on Saturday 19th July the number of researchers attending the 2014 Melbourne World AIDS conference was revised from 108 to 6. To early number of 108 attendees at the conference was incorrect.
