Among people who died on a Malaysia Airlines flight shot down over eastern Ukraine were six researchers and AIDS experts. They were travelling to attend this year's 20th International AIDS Conference in Australia.

One of the main aims of the conference is to eradicate the virus by 2030. The conference opened in Melbourne on Sunday in which around 12,000 delegates are taking part. In the conference, the virus and its every possible facet will be discussed in detail.

Before, the international event started, experts attending the conference observed a minute of silence for the six researchers and activists who were en route to the conference, but were killed.

International AIDS Society president Francoise Barre-Sinoussi expressed grief over the loss of researchers. "I would love to be telling you that we were opening this conference in happier times. The extent of the loss of our colleagues and friends is still hard for me to express", said Barre-Sinoussi.

Though it is a big loss, HIV-positive delegates said they would not divert their attention from the greater cause.

Ayu Oktariani, a board member of the Indonesian Positive Woman's Network, has HIV for the past five years. She believes that lack of information led her suffer from HIV. Science is not the only solution to the problem as there is a need to raise awareness among people.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott addressed the conference through satellite. He also expressed sadness and grief over the tragedy, which killed 36 Australian citizens and anger.

Barré-Sinoussi dedicated the conference to those who were killed in the incident. A candlelight vigil will take place on Tuesday.