IAS – the International AIDS Society – mourns the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Archbishop Tutu, a loyal friend and supporter of the IAS, passed away on 26 December 2021.
“The world has lost a powerful voice in the HIV response,” IAS President Adeeba Kamarulzaman said. “Archbishop Tutu will forever be remembered for denouncing AIDS denialism, standing up against discrimination and advocating for HIV treatment for everyone, everywhere. In doing so, he enriched and saved countless lives. He will be sorely missed by all of us.”
“Archbishop Tutu was a fervent ally of the IAS,” IAS Executive Board member Linda-Gail Bekker said. “He cared that people living with and impacted by HIV and TB everywhere would receive the best care, compassion and treatment, regardless of origin and background.”
In addition to being a champion for the rights of people living with and affected by HIV, Nobel Prize Winner Archbishop Tutu is renowned the world over for his fight against apartheid in South Africa and his life-long crusade against injustice.
The IAS offers its sincerest condolences to Archbishop Tutu’s loved ones and to all who are united in mourning his passing.