UNAIDS mourns the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-NC), a United States Senator whose decades of public service were distinguished by an unwavering belief that American leadership in the global HIV response carries both strategic purpose and moral responsibility.  

UNAIDS extends our deepest condolences to Senator Graham’s family, friends, staff and colleagues, and to the people of North Carolina on his passing. 

Throughout his career in the Senate, Senator Graham recognized the importance of international cooperation and U.S. support for global efforts to fight HIV/AIDS and other global health challenges, reflecting his belief that such investments contribute to human well-being, security and global stability. 

In April 2023, Senator Graham played a leading role in a bipartisan push to reauthorize the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), saying, 

“We must come together once again to reauthorize PEPFAR and work to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Now is the time to remind the world what American leadership can accomplish when we put our minds and hearts to it.” 

https://www.boozman.senate.gov/2023/4/the-hill-american-generosity-has-saved-25-million-lives-and-counting-let-s-reauthorize-pepfar-now

As a steadfast supporter of PEPFAR, Senator Graham was a consistent advocate of U.S. leadership in the global HIV response, leading bipartisan Congressional political and financial support to advance one of the most successful global health initiatives in history. Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has played a transformative role in the global HIV response, saving millions of lives around the world and preventing millions of new HIV infections. 

Senator Graham consistently worked across the aisle, helping to sustain unwavering bipartisan U.S. support for the global HIV response in the U.S. Congress for addressing global health and development challenges. He was a relentless advocate within the Republican party to ensure and maintain support for global health programs. 

As Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Senator Graham supported robust U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and global health security, recognizing the important role these investments play in advancing health and development outcomes globally. He knew the importance role health and development programs in creating safer and more stable environments around the world. 

Senator Graham’s legacy will be reflected in the transformative policies and programmes he supported, including his efforts to advance the global HIV response. His commitment to public service and bipartisan engagement contributed to global progress that has benefited countries and communities around the world. May his memory inspire bipartisan commitment for continued U.S. leadership in global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 

UNAIDS Brazil and Africa Creative have been awarded a Bronze Lion in the Social & Creator category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the Cover It campaign (Proibidão Protegidão, in Brazilian Portuguese), which uses the popularity of Brazilian funk music to expand the conversation on HIV prevention. 

The award ceremony took place at the end of June in Cannes, France. The campaign was also shortlisted in the Audio & Radio and Media categories. 

Launched in April, the campaign uses Brazilian funk music, one of the ten most popular genres in Brazil, to strengthen HIV prevention messaging among young people which, according to Brazil's Ministry of Health  account for approximately 49% of all new HIV infections in the country. 

Brazilian funk is known for its explicit lyrics and strong connection to the urban peripheries and has a growing influence among Generation Z. Through a powerful visual campaign, UNAIDS and Africa Creative are bringing HIV prevention messages into a cultural space where sexuality is already openly expressed, but where information promoting autonomy, protection and informed choices about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not always available. 

The campaign features some of Brazil's most popular funk tracks, including "Fazer Falta" by MC Livinho, with more than 230 million streams; "Flauta" by MC Mari, with over 10 million streams; "Vínculo Nenhum" by MC Davi, with more than 10 million streams; and "Empurra Empurra" by MC Drika, with more than 27 million streams. 

"Our partnership with UNAIDS is an example of advertising's public value. By bringing an issue into the public spotlight, the campaign demonstrates how creative ideas can raise awareness and inspire positive behavioural change," said Raphael Vandystadt, Vice President of Sustainability at Africa Creative.  

Often referred to as the "Oscars of Advertising," the annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity recognizes outstanding campaigns, ideas, and innovations across communications, design, technology, and digital media.  

“This award highlights that HIV prevention and the protection of human rights are not only health issues, they are also communication issues that require messages tailored to different audiences. We must continue developing new ways of communicating if we are to achieve a comprehensive HIV response," said Andrea Boccardi Vidarte, UNAIDS Country Director and Representative in Brazil. 

UNAIDS’ campaigns have previously been recognized at the Cannes Lions Festival. In 2022, the campaigns "The Mirror – See Me As I Am" and "Unbox Me" received awards, with “Unbox Me” winning three Cannes Lions Awards. In 2023, Unbox Me was shortlisted once again and received three Spikes Asia Awards. The 2026 edition marks the first time that an initiative led by UNAIDS Brazil has been nominated at the Cannes Lions. 

Proibidão Protegidão campaign playlist