Aids leaders remember those killed on MH17

They were supposed to attend the 20th International Aids Conference in Australia.

But some of the Aids activists and leaders never made it. The Malaysia Airlines MH17 flight they were on was shot down last Thursday.

Around 12,000 delegates from about 200 countries gathered in Melbourne for the event, which started yesterday and will last till Friday (July 25).

The opening ceremony included a minute’s silence to remember those who died.

 (L-R): Dr Joep Lange, Jacqueline Van Tongeren, Martine de Schutter and Pim de Kuijer were among those killed. Source: Buzzfeed

Here are their colleagues' tributes, as told to Buzzfeed.

1. Dr Chris Beyrer, president-elect of the International AIDS Society

2. Dr Peter Van Rooijen, Dutch campaigner and founder of STOP AIDS NOW!

He held five hearts to represent the five colleagues lost in the tragedy.

3. Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States

He regularly collaborated with Dr Joep Lange, who was among those killed.

4. Dr Kechi Achebe, executive director of HIV/AIDS Division of Save The Children

Dr Kechi Achebe (L) pledged to continue the colleagues' good work.

Sources: Buzzfeed, AAP