The Manitoba Government has created a new post-doctoral fellowship in HIV/AIDS research to honour the late Stephen Lewis.
A Legacy of Global Health Advocacy
Stephen Lewis was a politician, diplomat and humanitarian advocate who was best known for his work on global health and human rights, and best known in Canada for co-founding the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which supports community-based responses to HIV/AIDS in Africa.
“Stephen Lewis was an inspiration,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “From serving as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations to his role as the United Nations secretary-general’s special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, and as the co-founder of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which supports community-based HIV/AIDS initiatives in Africa, Stephen drew international attention to the scale of the crisis and the need for urgent action, funding and access to treatment.”
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Funding to Support HIV/AIDS Research in Manitoba
Kinew announced the post-doctoral fellowship on the day of Lewis’ funeral, saying it will provide $60,000 in funding to support an exceptional post-doctoral researcher dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of HIV/AIDS in Manitoba.
The fellowship will focus on communities disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and may include research in areas such as disease transmission, prevention strategies, treatment interventions, community engagement and health-care discrepancies.
“The last time I spoke to Stephen in early March, he said to go represent what is best in life,” said Kinew. “So, to Stephen, we will. To honour him, we will establish a post-doctoral fellowship in HIV research, so future Manitobans and Canadians will live up to his challenge.”
The award will open to applicants in September 2026.