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Geneva: In memory of Marcel van Soest
The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS (GCWA) is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Marcel van Soest, Executive Director of the World AIDS Campaign. Marcel's humility, kindness, commitment to social justice and meaningful involvement of those most affected by HIV, came through in all that he did. Committed and passionate, inclusive and determined, Marcel was able to take the World AIDS Campaign from a small organization working on World AIDS Day, to one with a broader mandate to work for human rights and gender equality of and with all communities in the HIV response. He was an invaluable mentor and advocate.
The World AIDS Campaign is a member organization of the GCWA and, under Marcel’s leadership, has made significant contributions to ensuring that the HIV response meets the needs of women and girls. The GCWA extends its sincere condolences to Marcel’s partner Fred, his son, his mother and all his loved ones, as well as to the World AIDS Campaign staff. We call on all stakeholders to ensure that his legacy lives on, placing gender equality and those most affected at the centre of the responses to HIV.