UNAIDS Press Release - June 19, 2006

"I am delighted by Miss Yeung Chin Wah's personal commitment to AIDS over the years," said Dr Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director. "As a popular singer she is able to encourage youth to be smart about HIV and minimize their risk of becoming infected. I hope that other celebrities from the entertainment world will follow her lead. The reality today is that children and young people continue to be on the frontlines of the epidemic, making up close to half of all new HIV infections worldwide."

Miss Yeung Chin Wah has dedicated her time to HIV prevention activities and mobilizing support for people living with HIV. Being a very popular artist in local and overseas Chinese communities, particularly among young people, she has raised awareness on HIV and encouraged young people to protect themselves from HIV.

In her role as UNAIDS Special Representative, she will continue to promote messages on HIV prevention, treatment and care.

In 2005, Miss Yeung Chin Wah was among the recipients of the "Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2005" award, given by the Junior Chamber International Hong Kong, in recognition of her outstanding services rendered to the community, particularly regarding her work on HIV prevention and care.

On her appointment as UNAIDS Special Representative, Miriam Yeung Chin Wah expressed true dedication to the AIDS response: "I feel privileged to take up this challenge. All of us can make a difference. Let us join hands to fight against AIDS by showing our care, support, and acceptance for those who need it".

On 23 June 2006, Miss Yeung Chin Wah will attend the 9th anniversary ceremony of the Hong Kong Red Ribbon Centre, the UNAIDS Collaborating Centre in the region.

In Asia, just over 8 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2005 - of which 2.4 million were women.

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Contact

Dominique de Santis | UNAIDS Geneva | tel. +41 22 791 4509 | desantisd@unaids.org

Sophie Barton-Knott | UNAIDS Geneva | tel. +41 22 791 1697 | bartonknotts@unaids.org

Tina Bille | UNAIDS Geneva | tel. +41 22 791 4928 | billet@unaids.org

Ole Hansen | UNAIDS China | +86 10 8532 2226 | ole.hansen@public.un.org.cn

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