Lars O. Kallings

The AIDS Accountability Leadership Award is presented to persons who play an exceptional role in promoting accountability in the international response to HIV/AIDS.

Professor Lars O. Kallings has shown a long term commitment in pointing out the lack of leadership and accountability as a major obstacle in improving the global HIV/AIDS response. After many years of experience within the fields of HIV/AIDS, Professor Kallings emphasizes this standpoint in his book “The uttermost plague - The book on AIDS”;

“Governments must [...] be put under pressure and held accountable via independent investigation and by making public information about how they carry out the measures they have undertaken to realise and how they have spent the funds put at their disposal by the world community. What is needed is a world opinion which will make governments answer for their omissions that have led to suffering and death for millions of people. The glow of repressed anger must flame up – in a forceful global movement that will jolt the world.” Lars O Kallings, The uttermost plague-The book on AIDS

This perspective and convincement also lead him to support the establishment of AIDS Accountability International. Professor Kallings has given an inspirational example through his own acting how a policymaking leader can make a change, and transform words and commitments into action. AAI is therefore honoured and proud to extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to the 2009 Award laureate!