|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-43202002-046
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2002Contact: USAID Press Office
Washington, D.C. -- Miss Universe will join more than one million people in over 85 countries on May 19 as they light candles and hold events in remembrance of those who have fallen victim to, and in honor of those affected, by HIV/AIDS.
The 19th annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, managed by the Global Health Council and partially funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will bring more than 1,600 communities together to honor the memory of those lost to AIDS, to show support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and to mobilize community involvement in the fight to end the disease. The theme of the 2002 Candlelight Memorial is "Sharing Your Vision for a Brighter Tomorrow."
Miss Universe 2001, Denise Quiñones August, a Puerto Rico native and AIDS activist, is the official spokesperson for the international memorial, and is slated to speak on the importance of eliminating stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and the need for community involvement to prevent and mitigate the effects of the disease. August and the 79 contestants in the 2002 Miss Universe Pageant will be in Puerto Rico for the upcoming pageant, and will participate in Puerto Rico's local observance of the Candlelight.
"USAID is pleased to sponsor a large, grassroots HIV/AIDS event like the Candlelight," said Dr. Anne Peterson, Assistant Administrator of USAID's Bureau for Global Health. "We are excited that an internationally recognized individual like Miss Universe will participate in this important event and help increase awareness and involvement in the global effort to end HIV/AIDS."
Since 1986, the U.S. Agency for International Development has provided more than $2.2 billion for the fight against the global AIDS pandemic, more than any public or private organization in the world. For more information, please visit www.usaid.gov/pop_health/aids/.
The first International AIDS Candlelight Memorial took place in 1983. Observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is coordinated in communities across the globe with local event organizers receiving assistance from the Global Health Council, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. For more information on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, please visit www.candlelightmemorial.org.
The U.S. Agency for International Development is the government agency providing U.S. economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
 |
|||
|
