UNAIDS is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Joel Nana, the founding Executive Director of African Men for Sexual Health and Rights (AMSHeR) and a former member of the NGO delegation to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board. He was 33 years old.
Mr Nana, a tireless advocate for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, was AMSHeR’s Executive Director from 2009 to 2014. Under his leadership, the regional network of organizations worked to advance the health and human rights of gay men and other men who have sex with men in Africa. The coalition became a strong voice and partner in the quest for protection and access to HIV and other health services for this population.
A law graduate, Mr Nana recognized the power of bodies such as the African Commission in interpreting and creating norms for the protection of minorities. He championed AMSHeR’s engagement with institutions such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which in May 2014 adopted its first resolution on "Protection against violence and other human rights violations against persons on the basis of their real or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity". A year later, the Commission granted observer status to the Coalition of African Lesbians.
“Joel was a shooting star, a passionate advocate whose energy and commitment to the health and human rights of LGBTI people have touched many, particularly in Africa,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “Let’s remember him for his contribution to ensuring the HIV response leaves no one behind.”
