"Omololu Falobi lived life only for 35 years. Yes he
was in a hurry. He was a visionary. For those who knew him they would realize
that this conference was part of his vision. M2010 is a turning point where it
has become glaringly obvious that developing and rolling out new HIV prevention
technologies is as much about community voices, politics, media, culture as it
is about science. That's what Omololu thought of, that's what he dreamed
of", said Manju Chatani Gada, at the closing ceremony of the International
Microbicides Conference (M2010) in Pittsburgh, USA. Manju represents AVAC:
Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention, African Microbicides Advocacy Coalition
(AMAG) and has demonstrated a rich experience of community-centric responses to
AIDS globally.
"Omololu was killed in October 2006 in Lagos, Nigeria.
He was a powerful international activist, a gifted journalist, a friend, a
father, and a force to be reckoned with when it came to community activism. He founded
and led the Journalists' Against AIDS in Nigeria (JAAIDS) and was instrumental
in establishing several coalitions including the New HIV Vaccine and
Microbicides Advocacy Society. His vision was of Africans to have a say in the
issues that affected their lives and community advocates everywhere to be
involved in shaping the response to AIDS" said Manju Chatani Gada.
"The field is growing fast and changing and many new
faces are in this room. Perhaps many of you may not have been privileged to
know Omololu. But rest assured, some project you know of, some network you are
part of, some journalist who has covered your research, was touched by him. His
vision lives in the form of Omololu Falobi Award for Excellence in HIV
Prevention Community Advocacy" said Manju Chatani.