Health Bodies Unite in Mourning Those who Died in Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17

Australia's leading health bodies and associations have offered condolences to the those who lost their lives aboard Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, said that the AMA offers its condolences to the victims from many countries, including  Australian victims. “It is hard to comprehend that so many people could suddenly lose their lives in these unpredictable and unexplained circumstances,” A/Prof Owler said.
“Many families from many countries, including our own, have been touched by this horrific event. “The medical community is also reeling from the news that possibly more than 100 AIDS activists, researchers, and health workers en route to the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne have perished.
“Among those confirmed to be on the flight was the internationally renowned researcher and clinician, Joep Lange. “The AMA pays tribute to Joep Lange, who has been at the forefront of HIV research and treatment since 1983. “The dedication of all the lost AIDS experts and has made a profound difference in improving the life of those with HIV, particularly in resource-poor countries.
“The world has today lost many people who have played critical roles in the global fight against HIV.
“The AMA expresses its profound sadness and sincere condolences to the families and friends of all the victims of this catastrophe,” A/Prof Owler said.

Professor Heather Yeatman, President of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), has expressed deep sorrow at the huge loss to the public health community - and specifically to the international AIDS community – resulting from the tragedy of Malaysian Air Flight MH17.

 “The members of the PHAA are deeply saddened by the loss of up to a hundred people heading for the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne and nearly three hundred people altogether.  We express our condolences to the families and friends of all who died in this horrific tragedy,” said Professor Yeatman.

 “There is an irony in the fact that so many of these people have dedicated their lives in attempting to save others from the AIDS virus and have died in such awful circumstances.
“The members of the PHAA and the public health community join with the international AIDS community in mourning for the loss,” concluded Professor Yeatman.
The International AIDS Society (IAS) has coonfirmed the devastating news that at least six delegates traveling to the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) in Melbourne, Australia, including former IAS President Joep Lange, were on board the Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17 that crashed over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
"The extent of our loss is hard to comprehend or express," said President of the IAS, Françoise Barré-Sinoussi. "We grieve alongside all of those throughout the world who have lost friends and family in this senseless tragedy."
"Our colleagues were traveling because of their dedication to bringing an end to AIDS," said Owen Ryan, Executive Director of the International AIDS Society. "We will honour their commitment and keep them in our hearts as we begin our program on Sunday."