Costa Gazidis, a doctor born in apartheid South Africa, fled to the UK in the late 1960s after being imprisoned for his political beliefs, later returning in the early 90s to focus on public health, particularly HIV and AIDS. After working in various medical roles in the UK, he became a significant figure in South Africa’s health sector, notably advocating for antiretroviral drugs and founding the ABBA Trust. Costa, a charismatic figure and father of seven, is survived by his third wife, Janet, and his children from previous marriages and relationships.