A. Cornelius Baker, a prominent advocate for H.I.V. testing and treatment, passed away at the age of 63 on November 7th, 2021. His death is a great loss to the public health community, as he was a tireless champion for increasing access to testing and treatment for H.I.V. and AIDS.
Baker’s advocacy work began in the early days of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, when he worked as a community organizer in Washington, D.C. He was one of the founding members of the National Association of People with AIDS and served as its executive director in the 1990s. He also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where he helped develop the agency’s first national H.I.V. testing guidelines.
Throughout his career, Baker was a vocal advocate for the importance of regular H.I.V. testing as a means of preventing the spread of the virus and ensuring that those living with H.I.V. receive the care and treatment they need. He was known for his passionate advocacy and his ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to work towards common goals.
In addition to his work on H.I.V. testing, Baker was also a strong advocate for the rights of people living with H.I.V. and AIDS. He fought against stigma and discrimination, and worked to ensure that those living with the virus were treated with dignity and respect.
Baker’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the progress he made in the fight against H.I.V. and AIDS. His dedication and passion for his work will continue to inspire others to carry on his mission of promoting H.I.V. testing and treatment for all.
In a statement released after his passing, his colleagues and friends remembered him as a tireless advocate and a true champion for those living with H.I.V. and AIDS. He will be greatly missed, but his impact on the public health community will be felt for years to come.