April 17, 2017
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Mark Wainberg speaks at the 2016 International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa. (Credit: Marcus Rose for International AIDS Society) |
The HIV community has reacted with shock and sadness to news that Mark Wainberg, Ph.D., died on April 12. Wainberg, a former president of the International AIDS Society and the Canadian Association for AIDS Research, was a leading figure in the global community of HIV care providers, and had been at the forefront of HIV research since the 1980s. An obituary on Medscape summarizes many of Wainberg's most notable achievements.
Below are excerpts from several organizations that have released statements on Wainberg's passing, as well as community leaders who have posted thoughts and remembrances. We will continue to update this article with additional statements and posts.
From International AIDS Society (IAS) president Linda-Gail Bekker:
We have lost one of our fiercest champions. To those of us in the research community, he was the epitome of dedication from the earliest days of the response. The impact of his work both through and beyond his role with the IAS will live on through the millions of people accessing HIV treatment and those of us who were lucky enough to know him.
From UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibé:
Mark Wainberg was a giant in HIV science. His work contributed to saving millions of lives. UNAIDS and the millions of people living with HIV will mourn Mark Wainbergs passing and celebrate the huge contribution to the response to HIV he made in his life.
From HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) chair Wendy Armstrong:
He consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional thought whether he was advocating for new treatment paradigms or universal and equitable access to medications for all those with living with HIV across the globe.
From Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE):
Despite his long hours, awards and endless travel to scientific meetings and congresses, he was always friendly and warm and made himself accessible to everyone. Dr. Wainbergs absence has touched many of us and his drive to build and maintain alliances between governments, public health, scientists and community groups is an important part of his legacy.
From British HIV Association (BHIVA):
Much of his work, particularly related to HIV resistance, shaped our practice and contributed to the incredible patient outcomes we enjoy today. ... The death of this pioneering man is a true loss to the HIV community.
From Brigham and Women's Hospital HIV Program director Paul Sax, M.D.:
We will very much miss Dr. Mark Wainberg. His legacy lives on with the people he trained, his extraordinarily productive research career, the expansion of HIV treatment globally -- and with the miraculous drug 3TC.
Several prominent members of the HIV workforce shared their thoughts via social media.
Patients are better off because of the work he has done. HIV trailblazer Mark Wainberg dies https://t.co/JF91ny7w9G A horrible tragedy.
— Dr. Brian Goldman (@NightShiftMD) April 13, 2017
Tragic loss for the HIV research community. A wonderful scientist and friend. Vale Mark Wainberg https://t.co/8mfKFU1zfF
— Sharon Lewin (@ProfSharonLewin) April 13, 2017
We have lost a true leader in the global #HIV movement, and it strikes close to home. RIP Mark Wainberg. https://t.co/GUZFMuAR9P
— ACT (@ACToronto) April 13, 2017
Dr. Mark Wainberg was known to us all as an innovator in HIV drug development & resistance. He'll be sorely missed. https://t.co/Ihb9s5j2ds
— IDSA (@IDSAInfo) April 13, 2017
Mark Wainberg: Pioneer in #HIVAIDS research. Passionate advocate. Medical luminary. Condolences to family, friends https://t.co/Disn0k2iUE pic.twitter.com/ivMOa1ZPTo
— McGill University (@mcgillu) April 13, 2017
Crushed to hear that world-renowned #AIDS researcher Dr. Mark Wainberg has died suddenly https://t.co/mnJXDbq0n9 via @CTVmontreal pic.twitter.com/DhP6sTIwxz
— André Picard (@picardonhealth) April 12, 2017
HIV Pioneer Mark Wainberg, PhD, Dies Unexpectedly https://t.co/BUQUx1TzRj via @medscape. Sad news indeed.
— Carlos del Rio (@CarlosdelRio7) April 12, 2017
The world lost a Champion in the fight against HIV. It was an honour to be part of his research team! #MarkWainberg https://t.co/gem0yJJLey
— patricia rose (@patricia_ndumbi) April 13, 2017
"Canada & the world have lost a great scientist & a great man" Mark Wainberg is a huge loss to the HIVAIDS community https://t.co/CULBIo73Jj
— CTAC (@CTAC_CAN) April 13, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Wainberg family. Mark was a renowned researcher and a respected colleague. He will be greatly missed @mcgillu. https://t.co/slGigYjTla
— Rosie Goldstein (@McGill_VPRI) April 13, 2017
In memoriam | We have lost one of our true heroes: We mourn the passing of Prof. Mark A. Wainberg. #MarkWainberghttps://t.co/nSEgyntdQB
— Health[e]Foundation (@HealthEFnd) April 13, 2017
We honour an incredible leader in our global community and send condolences to the family of Mark Wainberg. https://t.co/2PEeJDAV86
— ARCH (@ARCHGuelph) April 13, 2017
Myles Helfand is the editorial director of TheBody.com and TheBodyPRO.com. Follow Myles on Twitter: @MylesatTheBody.
Ken Stockwell is senior web producer for TheBody.com.
Mark Wainberg and the Enduring Importance of 3TC |
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