Deeply Saddened by Death of Stephen Lewis, Secretary-General Hails Canadian Diplomat’s Steadfast Dedication to Ending HIV/AIDS Crisis, Improving Health across Africa

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Stephen Lewis - a tireless humanitarian and diplomat, and steadfast champion of the values of the United Nations.

Stephen Lewis devoted his life to advocating and drawing attention to the HIV/AIDS crisis, including as the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. He called on leaders and the public alike to respond. He was not only a diplomat, but also an activist at heart - relentless in pressing the world to confront injustice and act, including during his time as the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and as Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations.

He refused to allow the HIV/AIDS crisis to be discussed in abstract terms, demanding action measured in lives saved, not words spoken. He helped bring global attention to the profound impact of HIV/AIDS on children, families and communities, particularly in Africa, including AIDS-related orphanhood, mother-to-child transmission and disruptions to education.

His deep engagement with Africa endured throughout his life, including in recent years when he continued to speak out for equitable access to health interventions and support for affected communities.

The Secretary-General offers his profound condolences to his family and loved ones, and to all our colleagues who had the privilege to be inspired by him in the goal of ending AIDS.