Pop icon Annie Lennox is the new UN ambassador for HIV and Aids in Africa. Her work focuses on HIV-positive women and children
Annie Lennox was officially appointed UN ambassador for HIV and Aids in Africa on Wednesday evening. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé expressed his delight at a joint press conference with the pop star. There is no one "who can resist Annie Lennox and her voice. Her presence and passion will give women and girls in Southern Africa a powerful voice to help overcome gender inequalities."
In March of this year, the singer had already supported the United Nations HIV/AIDS organisation in publicising an action plan. The plan aims to significantly improve the human rights situation, equal rights for women and thus the situation of HIV-positive people in Africa within the next five years.
Lennox has been campaigning for the rights of women and girls worldwide for more than ten years. The organisation she founded in 2007 "SING" campaign has raised millions of dollars in donations in its four years of existence, supported several dozen HIV and AIDS projects in Africa and drawn worldwide attention to an issue that is "often neglected".
As a UN ambassador, Annie Lennox formulates her goals as follows: "60 per cent of those affected by HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are women and children. We need to strengthen their rights and overcome their second-class status, which makes them particularly vulnerable in some regions. Over the last ten years, HIV and AIDS have increasingly affected women and children. AIDS-related diseases are the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age worldwide. We need to realise that women are carrying a greater burden than ever before. Governments must take responsibility for this and protect their citizens' rights to education, healthcare and treatment."
Lennox's concrete work begins immediately. She will take part in the "Women Deliver 2010" conference and the "2010 Global Business Coalition" conference, which will take place from 7 to 11 June in Washington - together with UNAIDS boss Michel Sidibé. She plans to present the first results in a week's time.
The singer will also be attending the 18th International AIDS Conference in Vienna (18 - 23 July). The pop icon's performance will be the highlight of the human rights rally, which is expected to attract more than 20,000 participants from all over the world.
(Paul Schulz)
