Former president of the International AIDS Society and leading researcher Joep Lange was killed yesterday when Malaysian Airlines MH17 was shot down over Ukraine. Lange was a long-time colleague and friend of Michael Merson, director of the Duke Global Health Institute.
Michael H. MersonWolfgang Joklik Professor of Global Health, Duke UniversityDirector, Duke Global Health Institutemichael.merson@duke.edu; skype: drmerson Website: globalhealth.duke.edu/people/faculty/merson-michael
Merson is an HIV/AIDS expert and former director of the World Health Organization's Global Program on AIDS where he worked with Joep Lange leading efforts in AIDS treatment. In 2006, Lange was a part of the launch of the Duke Global Health Institute at Duke University and a frequent collaborator.
Quote:
"The world has lost a great leader and a strong advocate for global health. We grieve Joep Lange's death and those of the other AIDS activists and scientists who have tragically died travelling to the 2014 International AIDS Conference in Melbourne."
"Lange was a kind man and a long-time champion for fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia and Africa. He has made many contributions to advancing AIDS research over the past several decades. We honor him and his many contributions to science. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, vision and always striving for a healthier tomorrow."
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