The Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) mourns the passing of Stephen Lewis with profound sadness and deep gratitude. Stephen was the former United Nations special envoy on HIV and AIDS in Africa and founder of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. We send our heartfelt condolences to his dear family, friends and colleagues.
“Stephen did not come to save me or Africans. He came to stand with us. He believed deeply that justice must be lived, that dignity must be defended, and that no one should be left behind.” Dr. Vuyiseka Dubula
His dedication to the HIV response and to closing the HIV treatment gap saved millions of lives especially in Africa. Stephen’s relentless advocacy shone a bright light on the epidemic’s devastating impact on People living with HIV, their children and communities, while demanding accountability from governments, donors, and leaders.
“In 2004, the support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation transformed the lives of grandmothers and children in Homabay and Budalangi, bringing hope, dignity, and empowerment to communities affected by HIV/AIDS.” Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK)
Find below memorial video shared by Stephen Lewis Foundation here
The story of HIV and AIDS in Africa will forever be incomplete without acknowledging the profound impact of Stephen Lewis.“Countless millions of us owe you a debt of gratitude we can never repay. Rest in peace Stephen.” Kenly sikwese, Executive Director, AFROCAB
GNP+ remembers Stephen Lewis with respect. We honor his extraordinary contribution to the HIV response and commit to carrying forward his vision of an AIDS free world grounded in equity and compassion. Rest in power, Stephen Lewis.
Please find below also additional tributes from PLHIV leaders who reached out to GNP+
Tribute By Tendayi Westerhof, National Director Pan African Positive Women’s Coalition-Zimbabwe
Thank you Stephen Lewis for the philantrophopic work through the Stephen Lewis Foundation. As Pan African Positive Women’s Coalition- Zimbabwe we benefited from the Foundation through the AWDF in terms of funding towards the economic empowerment of women living with HIV in communities in Zimbabwe. The Stephen Lewis Foundation impacted us a community. I had an opportunity to meet him in person once in Washington DC at the CEDPA training for young women living with HIV from Africa. He was such a humble person, who was sincere and devoted to changing lives of women and girls for the better. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
…………………The End………………..
