On the eve of the 67th United Nations General Assembly, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed global Indian icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as International Goodwill Ambassador. In her new role she will help raise awareness on issues related to stopping new HIV infections in children and advocate for increased access to antiretroviral treatment.
Mrs Rai Bachchan has been involved in humanitarian issues for many years and will now have a special focus on HIV. "I am honoured to accept this appointment. Spreading awareness on health issues, especially related to women and children, has always been a priority for me. And now, as a new mother, I can personally relate to this––the joys and concerns of every mother and the hopes that we have for our children. I strongly believe that every baby should be born free from HIV. And I wish that every woman living with HIV stays healthy and has access to treatment. I promise that with UNAIDS, I will do my utmost to make this happen."
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé welcomed Mrs Rai Bachchan to the UNAIDS family. “Mrs Rai Bachchan is respected and admired by millions of people around the world,” said Mr Sidibé. “I am convinced that through her global outreach, Mrs Rai Bachchan can help UNAIDS reach its goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children by 2015.”
The main focus of Mrs Rai Bachchan will be to advocate for the Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. This plan was launched at the United Nations in June 2011.
