13 champions working to end the AIDS epidemic forever
It’s the second leading cause of death for adolescents around the world. It’s the epidemic that all epidemics are measured against.
AIDS is the silent killer that has taken the lives of more than 39 million people since the beginning of the epidemic. But this story of tragedy for so many is laced with hope: we have never been closer to changing the game. Changing the medical research, boosting access to antiretrovirals, and stopping the spread of infection.
We’ve never been this close to ending AIDS.
Here are 13 global champions who are helping us achieve the goal set out in the SDGs: an end to the epidemic.
1 . Annie Lennox
“We can talk about this issue, it doesn’t have to be in the closet.”
Annie founded the SING Campaign in 2007 to raise global awareness of the impact of HIV on women and children. SING provide funding — raised by the SING record, Annie’s performances and public donations — to support organisations which help provide care to HIV positive women and children.
2. Naomi Watts
“I have seen that every one of us can make a difference.”
Naomi participated in the 2009 World Aids Day commemorations in Washington Square Park Memorial Arch (NYC) as well a UNAIDS fact-finding mission to Zambia. Since then, Naomi has continuously been involved in various AIDS activities and fundraising events, such as the Red Ribbon Awards and the AIDS Walk.
3. Michael Ballack
“I voted to end AIDS.” “AIDS is everybody’s business.”
While Michael Ballack may be more well known for commanding the midfield for Chelsea, he’s also been a big advocate for AIDS prevention. A Goodwill Ambassador since 2006, Michael has featured in a social marketing advertisements, played in Goal4Africa to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, and used his position as an international football player to highlight AIDS prevention to young people.
4. James Chau
“Zero infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths has to be the goal for us all, including China.” “I stand in solidarity with the 33 million mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends who live with HIV.”
Born and raised in the UK and now a major journalist and broadcaster on Chinese television, James was the first person in China to be appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS. He has travelled throughout Asia to fight the stigma facing those with HIV and is a working group member of aids2031.
5. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
“I do not want to be just a poster girl. I’d like to be able to actually contribute doing work, going to the sites, interacting with people to aid the work of UNAIDS.”
Indian actress, model, Bollywood icon and mother, Aishwarya added Goodwill Ambassador to her list of achievements in 2012. She advocates the Global Plan of 2012, which focuses on 22 countries, including her native India which accounts for 90% of all new HIV infections amongst children.
6. Emmanuel Adebayor
“On the pitch we compete — off the pitch we are uniting the world against AIDS.”
Emmanuel was named a Goodwill Ambassador in 2009. He wants to raise awareness of AIDS prevention, particularly amongst young people, and was drawn to the issue after seeing the impact of AIDS on his native Togo.
7. Prince Harry
“The scale of the challenge demands bold action.”
After visiting many HIV orphanages, hospitals and affected communities, Prince Harry co-founded Sentebale in 2004 to support vulnerable children in Lesotho following their HIV/AIDS epidemic. Sentebale recently opened a new children’s centre for young HIV sufferers, delivering psycho-social support to 1,500 HIV positive young people in the region each year.
8. Charlize Theron
“The reality of stopping AIDS is around the corner. That’s the part that maybe drives me the most.” “We can stop AIDS.”
Charlize founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project which invests in African youth to keep them safe from HIV and AIDS, by supporting local organisations’ programmes, providing grants and raising awareness. CTAOP relies on community organisation on the ground, who have the relevant expertise and networks, and focuses primarily on South Africa, which is Charlize’s home country.
9. Elton John
“I truly believe that we have the power to achieve an AIDS-free generation.”
Elton founded the Elton John Aids Foundation to fund front line programmes which alleviate the pain — physical, financial or emotional — of those living with HIV and AIDS. The foundation has raised 122 million GBP to date and supported over 1,400 projects.
10. David Luiz
“I believe in a world with zero discrimination. You and I, we can make a difference.”
Brazilian football champion, David wants to mobilise football fans around the globe, especially young people, and spread the message of prevention. David was involved in the #zerodiscrimination campaign, which calls on people to celebrate everyone’s right to live a full life with dignity.
11. Kenneth Cole
“My job will be done when we have a cure and it is accessible to all those that need it on their terms.”
Kenneth is chairman of nonprofit organisation amfAR (which he joined 25 years ago) and uses his position in the fashion industry to champion research for AIDS. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than 388 million USD in programs, has awarded 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide and has helped tackle the stigma against the disease.
12. Angélique Kidjo
“I want the young girls of Africa that have big dreams to be able to achieve their dreams”
Since becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2002, Angélique has focussed her efforts on educating young people about AIDS prevention. She has participated in the ‘Kicking Out AIDS’ sports festival, high-level meetings over the years and has also visited South Africa, Ethiopia and most recently Uganda to learn about the impact of AIDS on communities.
13. Victoria Beckham
“We are working toward no more stigma, toward access to health care, and toward eradicating AIDS in the not-too-distant future.”
Victoria was appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in 2014 and has been a patron of the Elton John AIDS foundation for decades. She has visited HIV clinics in Africa, participated in high-level advocacy meetings and used her position in the fashion industry to design and market a Worlds AIDS Day T-shirt in 2014.
For more information on how we’re taking steps to end AIDS, visit the UNAIDS website: http://www.unaids.org/
List compiled by Sandie McKenzie, UK Foreign Office
