HAI annually presents its AIDS Leadership Award to individuals who have displayed outstanding vision, leadership, and courage in the world's struggle against AIDS. Past recipients of this award are:

	FESTUS GONTEGANYE MOGAE Since he was elected to office in 1998, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, President of the Republic of Botswana, has received acclaim for his bold actions in confronting the AIDS epidemic in Botswana. One such action—the development of the National Council on AIDS—a multisectoral committee aimed at addressing the depth and scope of the epidemic, placed AIDS at the forefront of the government’s and the nation’s agenda.
	RICHARD HOLBROOKE United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Richard Holbrooke initiated the first ever UN session to address AIDS, not only as a health crisis, but also as a security threat affecting every person around the world. His commitment awakened others to the urgency of the epidemic, leading to a broader level of support for research, and inspiring increased compassion for people living with HIV. Currently, Ambassador Holbrooke serves as President and CEO of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS , an expanding alliance of international businesses dedicated to combating the AIDS epidemic through the business sector.
	DEEDA BLAIR Since the early 1980s she has worked with scientists to seek governmental and philanthropic support for research. She has been an extraordinarily effective advocate for increased funding for HIV/AIDS. Through her fundraising efforts, young scientists have been trained and supported, and needed equipment has been acquired. She looks at science and considers research a productive investment - and sees one thing always - hope.
	MARGUERITE LITTMAN She is a uniquely sensitive leader who exudes compassion while committing her boundless energy and influence on a cause in a precise, laser-like fashion. In the mid-1980s, she saw the urgent need for action on the emerging epidemic and established the AIDS Crisis Trust in London. While building hospital wings in London, she also found a way for the AIDS Crisis Trust to support about 120 AIDS organizations in the USA, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Uganda, Thailand, and India as well as Great Britain.
	JUDITH PEABODY Since 1985 she has devoted her volunteer services exclusively to people living with AIDS and organizations that work on their behalf. In addition to her personal work with the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), she is engaged in improving AIDS services and promoting AIDS research. Soon after her introduction to the GMHC, she became a co-leader of Care-Partners Groups, a hands-on, heart-felt commitment that continues to motivate and inspire her and others to this day.
	DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES She was among the first to fight the conspiracy of silence and prejudice against AIDS. Her efforts to de-stigmatize those living with AIDS have been praised by some of the world's leading moral authorities including former South African President Nelson Mandela and United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan. She ardently raised public awareness to fight the discrimination and exclusion that so many people living with AIDS endure.
	BILL BLASS He was a generous and influential supporter of AIDS treatment services. From the beginning, he dedicated both time and talent to fighting the epidemic. The depth of his commitment awakened others to the urgency of the AIDS epidemic, leading to a broader level of support for research, and inspiring increased compassion for people living with HIV.
	RICHARD GERE He has been especially active in campaigning against the spread of AIDS in South Asia. He has been honored many times for his tireless dedication to ending HIV/AIDS most recently by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). Richard Gere's Foundation awards grants to humanitarian organizations supporting victims of war and natural disasters, providing HIV/AIDS care and research and addressing human rights violations occurring around the world.
	MARY FISHER In her groundbreaking speech at the 1992 Republican National Convention, Mary Fisher stunned millions around the world when she announced she was HIV-positive. Her leadership has inspired men and women living with HIV throughout the world. She addresses the need for tolerance, research, caring and a non-judgmental response to AIDS and its causes. She is the founder of the Family AIDS Network Inc.; an organization dedicated to increasing compassion, resources and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
	ELIZABETH GLASER Her leadership inspired awareness and hope for HlV-infected children and their families throughout the world. The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation which she co-founded has brought about major advances in scientific pediatric HIV research. The foundation also provides funding for a crucial public service announcement campaign encouraging pregnant women and health care providers to make HIV testing part of routine prenatal care. Additionally it provides emergency assistance to HIV-infected children and their families who are living at or below the poverty level with basic needs such as food, transportation, child-care and medications.
	CLEVE JONES The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a poignant memorial with more than 44,000 colorful panels; each dedicated to the life of a person lost to AIDS. His simple idea to remember friends has turned into an international symbol of triumph over grief and love over prejudice. Cleve Jones provided all of us with a loving remembrance of those who have died and a powerful expression of both the intimacy and universality of AIDS.
	ARTHUR ASHE As the first award recipient in 1992, his acceptance of the award was an honor to the award recipients who followed, as well as to Harvard. He was a rare kind of hero, a role model for adults who used public prominence for the greater good. His personal dignity inspired people around the world and his actions enhanced public awareness of AIDS. He wanted future doctors and nurses to "know me as a person" first. That wish is a key component in the Arthur Ashe Program in AIDS Care that continues the work against AIDS that he and his family and friends began.