Blogamole › World AIDS Day

By Michael Lopez

In case you were wondering, today marks a lot more than the start of a new month. Around the globe, December 1 has officially become known as World AIDS Day. And this year, plenty of famous faces are speaking out to support the cause.

President Barack Obama made an impassioned speech at George Washington University this morning, telling reporters that the fight to end HIV and AIDS is far from over. He implored nations like China to contribute to the cause by donating funds to save the millions who are infected.

"Today, we come together, as a global community, across continents, faiths and cultures, to renew our commitment to ending the AIDS pandemic – once and for all," he said. "This fight isn’t over. Not for the 1.2 million Americans who are living with HIV right now. Not for the Americans who are infected every day."

In the Twitterverse, several celebrities helped spread the word too. Using the popular #WorldAIDSDay hashtag, stars like Martha Stewart and The Jonas Brothers encouraged their fans to donate.

"Want to fight for an AIDS Free Generation by 2015? Today’s the day: #WorldAIDSDay," Zach Galifianakis wrote.

Coldplay posted,

"Today’s #WorldAIDSDay. Fight for #endofAIDS."

On the Huffington Post, blogger Destiny Lopez specifically called out to the Hispanic community for support. In her article, she explained that Latinos account for one in five new HIV infections. She also published alarming stats, saying that 1 in 36 Hispanic men will contract HIV in their lifetime.

Alejandro Sanz and Paula Fernandez are doing their part to get the word out in Latin America. Their charity, “Positive Generation,” raises awareness about the disease and helps infected children in South Africa.

You can contribute too, by visiting the official World AIDS Day site and donating to help put an end to this deadly disease.

Do you know anyone who’s been impacted by AIDS? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, Alejandro Sanz, Barack Obama, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Coldplay, Cultura, Destiny Lopez, Health, HIV, Paula Fernandez, Positive Generation, President Obama, World AIDS Day, Zach Galifianakis

When Miss Universe 2009, Stefanía 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, Stefanía 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

Tags Agentes De Cambio, AIDS, awareness, Health, HIV, Miss Universe, Stefania Fernandez, the Latino Commission on AIDS, World AIDS Day

Christian is taking a break from the "Rebelde" cause and representing social outreach for World AIDS Day.

The former-RBD singer has joined the global campaign, "Hazte la prueba," urging todo el mundo to get tested for HIV/AIDS annually. According to a recent study, four out of every ten Latinos in the United States who tested positive for HIV developed AIDS within a year of learning they were infected. The organization is responsible for educating our youth about how the disease affects our communities and teaches safe sex practices.

Christian expressed why the key ingredient to prevention is awareness:

Para animar a los jóvenes a que se hagan la prueba para detectar oportunamente posibles infecciones y se puedan atender, no solamente por su bien sino por el de las personas con quien tienen relaciones. Sobre todo en las primeras experiencias que de repente no tienen claro el uso del condón.

You know how it goes mi gente...No glove, no love! To learn more about World AIDS Day visit Hazte La Prueba and spread the word.

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Chisme, Christian, MTV, RBD, Tr3s, Tres, World AIDS Day