When Miss Universe 2009, StefanÃa Fernandez speaks, people listen. And that’s exactly what the Latino Commission on AIDS was hoping for today when they invited la bella Venezolana to speak at a press conference esta mañana en Nueva York to commemorate World AIDS Day.
Miss Universe showed her own commitment to fighting the disease by taking the HIV test in front of the cameras, adding:
"It is important to me personally and the Miss Universe Organization to show our commitment and solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS."
Este evento comes at un buen momento, as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that Latinos are affected by AIDS more than any other racial or ethnic group, with 42% being diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months after learning of their positive HIV status compared to 34% late diagnosis among white non Hispanic and 35% among blacks.
What's one way we can fight la epidemia del HIV/AIDS? Edúcate! One of the main objectives of the Latino Commission on AIDS has been to help educate families on this dreadful illness. Como una reina de belleza, StefanÃa Fernandez has committed to fighting HIV/AIDS in the name of all the young Latinas en el mundo.
"Parents and their children need to speak open and honestly about HIV/AIDS and help breakdown the stigma that lies with it today... Young girls need to love themselves and take control of their bodies. It’s their lives and I want to make sure they understand that no matter what their status is, they can go on to lead a long and healthy life."
World AIDS Day is a day of hope, solidarity and commitment in recognition of the tremendous challenges of this worldwide pandemic. Let's unite today to recommit ourselves to promoting prevention and education related to HIV/AIDS en nuestras comunidades! For more information on protecting yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and getting tested, check out www.GYT09.com.
Photos via Latino Commission on AIDS
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