Editor,

I thought it would be befitting to widely share this with the late Dr Hu'akavameiliku's family, friends and our nation.

Tribute was made to the contribution of the late Dr Hu'akavameiliku by Mr. Murray Proctor, AusAID's HIV Ambassador at the first Pacific launch of the report "Turning the Tide: An OPEN strategy for a response to AIDS in the Pacific" that took place here in Papua New Guinea on Thursday 11 March 2010. Dr. Hu'akavameiliku was the Chairman of the Commission of AIDS in the Pacific when work began on this report.

The report is the first document to synthesize regional and country information on epidemiology, risks and vulnerabilities, and financing and coordination of the AIDS response. Issues of rights and civil society as well as the impact of AIDS on health are also highlighted.

It was an honour to witness the launching of an important milestone in the Pacific's efforts on AIDS as well as to be part of the audience that recognised the efforts of a "wantrok" and a great leader of Tonga.

‘Ofa atu

'Amelia Kinahoi-Siamomua

amelia [dot] k [dot] siamomua [at] undp [dot] org