The News Minute | July 18, 2014 | 10:28 am IST

Sydney: Some of the world's top AIDS experts, bound for an international conference in Melbourne, Australia, were among those killed in Malaysian Airlines MH17 crash, authorities said on Friday.

The International AIDS Society (IAS) in a statement on its web site said the loss of so many lives was a deep tragedy, reported Xinhua.

"IAS expresses its sincere sadness at receiving news that a number of colleagues and friends en route to attend the 20th International AIDS Conference taking place in Melbourne, Australia, were on board the Malaysian Airlines MH17 flight that has crashed over Ukraine," the statement said.

"At this incredibly sad and sensitive time, the IAS stands with our international family and sends condolences to the loved ones of those who have been lost to this tragedy."

It is believed the former president of the International AIDS Society, Joep Lange, was among those killed. He had been involved in HIV treatment and research for more than 30 years, working for the World Health Organization.

He was also the founder of the not-for-profit PharmAccess Foundation which aims to provide and improve access to health care in Africa.

Former US president Bill Clinton and singer and activist Sir Bob Geldof are among the high-profile speakers attending AIDS 2014, the 20th International AIDS Conference, which will start on Sunday.

With IANS