MISS UNIVERSE TO TEST FOR HIV
ENCOURAGING LATINOS TO FOLLOW EXAMPLE ON
NATIONAL LATINO AIDS AWARENESS DAY
New York, NY – October 15, 2006 - Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera will be tested for HIV in support of the 4th annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, a nationwide campaign to fight the spread of AIDS in Latino communities spearheaded by the Latino Commission on AIDS.
"I am proud that Zuleyka has decided to take the HIV test publicly this Sunday. My hope is that this will inspire other young adults across the country to do the same," said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization.
Recently appointed as International Ambassador for the Latino Commission on AIDS, Miss Universe will make a public plea and call to action by taking the HIV test on Sunday, October 15th at Alianza Dominicana, a community-based organization in Washington Heights. "We need to ensure that our community stays healthy and safe. Please get tested and get informed," urged Zuleyka. Alianza Dominicana joins more than 350 other organizations in over 250 cities across the country in hosting HIV testing, education and prevention initiatives in support of National Latino AIDS Awareness Day.
"This is a landmark day in our ongoing fight against AIDS. Latinos leaders and community organizations in more than 40 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands stand united in our quest to raise awareness of and stop the spread of this disease," said Dennis de Leon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS and an ardent human rights champion for Latinos.
Through health fairs and other events, Latinos around the country will recognize the tremendous toll HIV has taken on their local and national communities, and the importance of prevention and education. "While Latinos represent 14% of the national population, we represent 20% of all Americans living with HIV/AIDS," said de Leon. HIV experts say an HIV crisis is quietly brewing in the Latino community, where social stigma, poverty, language barriers and immigration status deter testing and increase the infection rate.
The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. In response to the critical, unmet need for HIV prevention and care for Latinos in New York City, a coalition of Latino leaders founded the agency in 1990. The Commission realizes its mission by spearheading health advocacy for Latinos, promoting HIV education and prevention, developing model programs for high-risk communities, and by building capacity in community-based organizations. Through its extensive network of member organizations and community leaders, the Commission works to mobilize an effective Latino community response to the health crisis created by HIV/AIDS.
The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® competitions, is a Donald J. Trump and NBC partnership. Utilizing its global grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS Awareness and women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, Global Health Council, Gods Love We Deliver and the United Nations Population Fund's Face-to-Face Campaign, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today.
CONTACT:
Miss Universe Organization
Lark-Marie Anton
(212) 373-4999
lanton@missuniverse.com