As the International AIDS Conference wraps up today in Washington, DC, here are five memorable voices from my time there.
1. Ibubetaylor, 13-year-old girl from Nigeria
I was born HIV free. Thank you, Mom. I don't understand why other children are born with the virus and why they are still without treatment. I want all children to be born just like me, free of HIV. Please let us make this world an AIDS free generation.
2. Dr. Jim Kim, President of the World Bank
The end of AIDS is actually something within our reach. My pledge to you is that the World Bank will work tirelessly to drive the AIDS fight forward until we win. Strong partnerships with civil society that delivers results for the poor will be a signature for my service with the World Bank.
3. Annah Sango, 24-year-old HIV positive woman from Zimbabwe
We are getting tired of repeating ourselves. Why do so many of the same old problems still exist in women and girls accessing the treatment and care that they need? Why are women still marginalized in terms of resources? Why is there failure in speaking out against violence against women? HIV thrives when gender inequality and poverty combine. Include us in this conversation.
4. Bill Gates, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Even if you take the most efficient way at doing this work, the number of people will increase in who needs to be on treatment. There [currently] aren't enough funds. The world will have to make a decision on how much these lives matter.
5. Pernessa Seele, CEO and Founder of The Balm in Gilead