UNAIDS China has appointed the actor and humanitarian Huang Xiaoming as a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for China. The announcement was made on 28 November at an event at the UNAIDS office in Beijing, China.

“Huang Xiaoming is an inspiration for millions of people,” said Catherine Sozi, UNAIDS Country Director for China. “I am thrilled that he will leverage his platform as a gifted actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist to help end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. His efforts can re-energize HIV prevention and transform many lives in China and beyond.”

The nomination ceremony included a panel discussion with young people on HIV prevention. The football champion and UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for China, Shao Jiayi, participated in the event and gave congratulatory remarks.

In his new role, Mr Huang will raise awareness on the importance of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, with a special emphasis on HIV prevention among young people. Immediately after his appointment, the star showed his support for the UNAIDS global “Hands up for #HIVprevention” campaign, which has been taking place in the lead-up to World AIDS Day on 1 December. Mr Huang posed for photographs with an HIV prevention message written on the palm of his hand. People around the world have been sharing similar photographs and messages through social media.

“I am honoured by this appointment as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for China,” said Mr Huang. “I am glad that I can play at a least a small part in helping to intensify efforts on HIV prevention. My hope is that young people understand the need to take proper measures to protect not only their own health but the health of the people they love.”

Chinese authorities say there were 654 000 people reported to be living with HIV in China by the end of September 2016. Young people are particularly vulnerable to HIV. Thirteen young people (age 15–24) are infected with HIV every hour in Asia and the Pacific.