On 30th Anniversary of AIDS Epidemic, Asia Foundation Honors Dr. David Ho

June 8, 2011

The cover of this week’s The Economist shows a child peering over a mother’s shoulder. The headline: “The end of AIDS?” This week marks the 30th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic, and – the magazine challenges – if the world has the will to do so, it looks as though the plague can now be beaten.

Pioneering AIDS researcher Dr. David Ho has been called “the man who could beat AIDS,” and he seems determined to do just that. In 1996, TIME magazine named Dr. Ho the Person of the Year for his groundbreaking work over the past quarter century. Dr. Ho revolutionized the world’s understanding of HIV/AIDS; his cutting edge research and advocacy catalyzed landmark treatment and prevention programs in China and has saved countless lives.

Today, June 8, in New York City, The Asia Foundation and The Lotus Circle presented Dr. Ho the inaugural Lotus Leadership Award, for his contributions to the health and well-being of Chinese women and children.

“Women and girls are not safe in Asia. This award is significant to me because girls and women in China and across Asia are in need of our help. This award is about hope and our shared efforts to tell her she can,” said Dr. Ho at the event.

Over 220 guests attended the award ceremony, including philanthropists, diplomats, and women’s supporters. Watch an exclusive interview with Dr. Ho, founding scientific director and CEO of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, below, produced by The Asia Foundation’s digital media team.

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