These are dark times we’re living in but Melbourne was bathed in light last night as thousands gathered to pay tribute to the innumerable lives affected by the AIDS epidemic as well as the hundreds killed aboard Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 last week in a candlelight vigil held in conjunction with the 2014 International AIDS Conference.
The vigil – a conference tradition designed to commemorate the over 35 million people who have lost their lives to AIDS and HIV – was particularly solemn this year as the gathered figures, supporters and representatives of the international AIDS research and advocacy community paid tribute to the six delegates killed en route to Melbourne aboard flight MH17.
The fallen delegates scheduled to appear at the conferenced included Dr Joep Lange a former president of the International AIDS Society and a leading HIV researcher from The Netherlands, his partner and HIV nurse Jacqueline Van Tongeren, Martine de Schutter and Lucie van Mens of AIDS Action Europe, Pim de Kuijer of Stop AIDS Now! and World Health Organization spokesman Glenn Raymond Thomas.
“At this incredibly sad and sensitive time, we stand with our international family and send condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost in this tragedy,” said ENUF Ambassador and vigil MC Richard Taki. “Their contribution to the cause has been outstanding.”
Bill Clinton is scheduled to address the crowd as the conference continues in Melbourne today.
Image via AIDS Conference Twitter
