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Rio de Janeiro, 19 October 2011- Ronaldo de Assis Moreira-the Brazilian football star also known as
Ronaldinho-has accepted an invitation from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and Brazil's Ministry of Health to
promote AIDS awareness through sport.
"Ronaldinho is a great inspiration to young people the world over," said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of
UNAIDS. "His voice will reach millions of people and bring new energy to our vision of achieving zero new HIV infections."
Drawing on his years of experience in professional football, Mr de Assis Moreira will use sport as a means of engaging
young people and raising awareness around AIDS. "I am honoured to stand together with UNAIDS and the Ministry of Health of Brazil
in the response to HIV," said Mr de Assis Moreira. "I am delighted to make a small contribution to this important cause
by doing what I do best: playing football."
Globally there are more than 5 million young people living with HIV and every day, 2400 young people become infected with the virus.
Although young people are increasingly learning how to protect themselves, only one-third of young people globally have accurate and
comprehensive knowledge of how to protect themselves from HIV.
Brazil has pioneered an effective response to HIV for many years. The Brazilian Minister of Heath, Mr Alexandre Padilha
said, "Ronaldinho will be an excellent role model for young people around the world and is passionate about his new role. I am
confident that he will be a real asset to the global AIDS response."
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Contact
UNAIDS Brasilia | Jacqueline Cortes
tel. +55 61 3038 9220
mobile + 55 61 9304 2654
cortesj@unaids.org
UNAIDS
UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is an
innovative United Nations partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
Learn more at unaids.org.
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