Amfar Acceptance Speech

Dr. Silverman
Dearest Franca

Thank you so much.

I would like to dedicate this award to all the people I have met and worked with over the years who have provided me with insight in this complex disease. Those who have been a constant motivation in my work:

I want to honor the mothers of Malawi, who made a devastating impression on me 10 years ago, when they quietly expressed their despair – having no hope for the future of their children.

I want to honor sex workers in Nicaragua who are still fighting to live a dignified life.

I want to honor the gay communities, in San Francisco, in Oslo and in other cities, – those who have been on the barricades for more than 30 years.

I want to honor health workers on the ground – who don’t wear gloves while they wipe their patients’ tears.

I want to honor UNAIDS – who I have worked with for 8 years – for holding up the pressure to end this disease.

Finally and most importantly want to honor my incredible young positive friends over the world who demand Universal Access. And who demand an aids-free next generation.

They are my inspiration.

They should have been standing here with me tonight.

This award truly belongs to them.