Joep Lange

Joep Lange (born Joseph Marie Albert Lange; 25 September 1954 – 17 July 2014) was a Dutch clinical researcher specializing in HIV/AIDS research and treatment. He was a prominent figure in the field of virology and made significant contributions to the understanding and management of HIV/AIDS.

Early Life and Education

Joep Lange was born in Nieuwenhagen, Netherlands. He studied medicine at the University of Amsterdam, where he earned his medical degree. He later completed his PhD in virology at the same institution.

Career

Lange began his career as a clinical researcher focusing on infectious diseases. He was particularly interested in the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS. Lange was a pioneer in the development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), which has become the standard treatment for HIV infection.

Academic and Research Contributions

Lange held various academic positions throughout his career. He was a professor of medicine at the University of Amsterdam and served as the head of the Department of Global Health at the Academic Medical Center (AMC). He was also the founder of the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD).

Lange's research focused on the development of affordable and accessible HIV treatments, particularly for use in low- and middle-income countries. He was a strong advocate for global health equity and worked tirelessly to improve access to HIV/AIDS treatment worldwide.

International AIDS Society

Lange served as the president of the International AIDS Society (IAS) from 2002 to 2004. During his tenure, he emphasized the importance of global collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS and advocated for increased funding for research and treatment programs.

Death

Joep Lange tragically died on 17 July 2014, when Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over Ukraine. He was en route to the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia.

Legacy

Lange's contributions to the field of HIV/AIDS research and treatment have had a lasting impact. He is remembered as a dedicated scientist and a passionate advocate for global health. The Joep Lange Institute was established in his honor to continue his work in improving access to healthcare in underserved regions.

See Also

• HIV/AIDS
• Antiretroviral therapy
• International AIDS Society
• Global health