Like the international community, UNAIDS mourns the loss of Patrick Atangana Fouda, an outstanding activist and an emblematic figure in the fight against HIV. A tireless advocate and voice for people living with HIV, Patrick has dedicated his life to defending human rights, promoting access to care and breaking the silence surrounding the disease.

Living with HIV himself since birth, Patrick Atangana Fouda has been able to transform his reality into a powerful driver of change. He bravely shared his story to raise awareness about the importance of prevention, care and, most importantly, fighting stigma. Through his journey, he embodied hope and resilience, proving that living with HIV is not a limit, but an opportunity to redefine perceptions and inspire others.

Through his courageous advocacy and impactful interventions, he reminded everyone of the urgent need to act to ensure equitable access to prevention, treatment and human rights for people living with HIV. At an international conference on HIV, Patrick spoke spontaneously after a panel to challenge decision-makers. With a firm voice and palpable passion, he said: "I am here, living with HIV. I am not just a number in your reports, I am a person with dreams, a family, and dignity. Make more than promises, act now!  His words, imbued with sincerity and strength, moved all the participants, reaffirming the need to put the voices of the affected people back at the centre of our strategies and encouraging several organizations present to strengthen their commitments to the most affected communities.

Patrick has fought hard to defend the rights and well-being of young people living with HIV, especially children. His fight for pediatric AIDS remains one of the most significant contributions of his career. He has fought tirelessly to ensure that children living with HIV receive appropriate treatment, insisting that no child should die because of a lack of medication or inadequate care.

His work with young people, especially those in West and Central Africa, has inspired an entire generation to stand up against stigma and demand a better future. With the support of our office, he founded the West and Central Africa Network of Positive Adolescents and Youth (RAJ+ AOC), the first French-speaking regional organization of adolescents and young people living with HIV. Patrick strongly believed that education, awareness and solidarity are essential pillars to end HIV transmission and to ensure dignified and fulfilling lives.

His partnership with UNAIDS has been invaluable. Patrick was not only a voice for communities, but also a strategic ally in our efforts to break the chains of stigma and discrimination. He has helped shape key initiatives to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV, while tirelessly advocating for inclusive and sustainable policies.

Patrick has played a pivotal role in many international initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people living with HIV. His interventions in global forums, his collaborations with public health organizations, and his efforts to strengthen health systems in Africa have been instrumental in doing so. Through his work, thousands of people have been able to access life-saving services, while entire communities have gained a better understanding and support for people living with HIV.

But Patrick was not only an activist. He was an inspiration to young people and to all who knew him. His inner strength, humanity and determination to overcome challenges were palpable in his every action. A few days before his death, he was actively involved with UNAIDS colleagues in the preparations for the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) in Ghana, to ensure that the voices of young people were heard. As we mourn his loss, we remain committed to continuing his fight with the same determination and passion that he embodied.

Patrick Atangana Fouda's life is a testament to the impact a person can have by choosing to turn their own experience into a force for the common good. His commitment and resilience will continue to inspire future generations in the fight for a world without HIV and without stigma.

Today, I am sending a message of hope and determination to all young people in our region. Patrick believed in your strength, in your ability to turn your challenges into opportunities, and in your power to build a future free of stigma and exclusion.

In his honor, I invite you to continue the fight he so courageously led. Make your voices heard, commit to change, and inspire the world with your resilience. Patrick would have wanted you to continue to fight, not only for yourselves but for all those who rely on your leadership and courage.

Rest in peace, Patrick. Your struggle and your legacy will live on through these young people whom you loved and defended so much.

Par Berthild GAHONGAYIRE
Regional Director
Regional Bureau of UNAIDS for West and Central Africa

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The UNAIDS Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Berthilde Gahongayiré, pays tribute to the late Patrick Fouda, a great activist in the fight against AIDS in Africa, who recently passed away.