How yesterday’s tragic plane crash set back AIDS research

At least 100 out of the 300 on board Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 were bound for an International AIDS conference, four of whom were prominent AIDS researchers, Joep Lange, Glenn Raymond Thomas, Pim de Kuijer, and Martine de Schutter.

In a statement from the conference, organizers say, “continuing to work with the authorities to clarify how the tragic loss of Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17 impacts our conference delegates, our conference partners, and our community as a whole. In recognition of our colleagues’ dedication to the fight against HIV/AIDS, the conference will go ahead as planned and will include opportunities to reflect and remember those we have lost.”