GENEVA, 9 March 2012—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is deeply saddened by the death of United States Representative Donald M. Payne.
Congressman Payne served for more than 20 years in the United States House of Representatives, dedicating his life to improving the lives of people in his home country and around the world.
Congressman Payne was instrumental in co-authoring the original United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) legislation in 2003, legislation that continues to save the lives of millions of people. He was known for his holistic approach to health, focusing on the whole person living with or at risk of HIV—ensuring that issues such as nutrition, disease prevention, and human rights were integrated.
As both Chairman and Ranking Member of the United States Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Payne worked tirelessly to advocate for equity and access. His vision and dedication will be greatly missed.
