The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation joins the world in mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela. Madiba was a tireless and passionate advocate in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic, not only in South Africa, but throughout the world. Following his presidency, and his announcement that his son, Makgatho, had died from AIDS, Mandela dedicated his life to turning the tide against HIV/AIDS in South Africa; eloquently speaking out against stigma and discrimination, and giving voice to countless people living with HIV throughout the world.
His words still resonate today: “We need to break the silence, banish stigma and discrimination, and ensure total inclusiveness within the struggle against AIDS; those who are infected with this terrible disease do not want stigma, they want love."
As we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that Nelson Mandela’s legacy will live on in the hearts of the countless lives he touched through his HIV/AIDS advocacy, and in the work we all do to bring about an AIDS-free generation.