Dear Colleagues,

With disbelief and great sadness we are trying to absorb the news of the horrific events that claimed the lives of all 298 passengers on board the Malaysian Airways flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. Among them were many of our colleagues who were traveling to the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, dealing a terrible blow to the international HIV/STI community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family members, loved ones, friends and colleagues. As we grieve their loss, we will honor their legacy in pledging our unflagging commitment to continue their fight against AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

Kees Rietmeijer, MD, PhD
President,
American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association