His research helped lay the scientific foundations for triple-combination therapy, which remains the cornerstone of HIV treatment today. He also conducted mother-to-child transmission studies, which delivered proof that pregnant women with HIV could give birth to healthy babies – provided they receive treatment. Even though this reframed the debate completely, HIV/AIDS treatment remained out of reach in Africa. Joep challenged the status quo, asking why a multinational like Coca-Cola could manage to deliver cold drinks to every corner of Africa, yet the world’s leading experts and public organizations could – or would – not do the same with life-saving drugs.

Unwilling to wait any longer, Lange decided to go through the private sector instead, and started PharmAccess Foundation to set up workplace treatment programs in Africa. Heineken was the first company to commit, and many other multinationals followed. While these workplace programs were relatively small scale, their impact was huge. It was huge because they proved that it was possible to deliver lifesaving treatment to people in Africa, and that the delay in doing so was a question of political will.