Dear Tony,
We are writing to express our utmost devastation at the way in which you, a beacon of science and sincerity, are being put on trial.
The International AIDS Society recognizes your profound contributions to HIV science, public health and community - engaged research. Since the earliest years of the AIDS epidemic, your leadership has helped shape a research agenda grounded in dialogue with affected communities, scientific rigour and a shared commitment to saving lives.
Your work advanced understanding of HIV pathogenesis and treatment, supported the pursuit of vaccines and prevention technologies, and contributed to global programmes, including PEPFAR, that have saved millions of lives. As Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, you have been a trailblazer : You opened channels between researchers, advocates and policy makers, helping to accelerate access to HIV treatment and prevention while strengthening ethical approaches to clinical research. Yo ur work has set standards far beyond the field of HIV.
We are deeply concerned by continued efforts to politicize science. Such actions erode trust in scientific institutions, discouraging future researchers and weakening preparedness for HIV, tuberculosis, Ebola, COVID - 19 and all the future pandemics we will not escape.
You have been a steadfast friend of the IAS. Please know that the IAS stands firmly behind you.
On behalf of the International AIDS Society and its 11,255 members who are researchers, clinicians, HIV service provider, policy makers, advocates, and first and foremost, people living with or at risk of acquiring HIV,
Kenneth Ngure, President
Birgit Poniatowski, Executive Director