Feature Story

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé has appointed two popular Angolan musicians C4 Pedro and Titica as National Goodwill Ambassadors on 7 October at a press event held in Luanda, Angola. The two musicians will help raise awareness on issues relating to HIV prevention and treatment, especially among young people in Angola.

Pedro Lisboa Santos, commonly known by his stage name C4 Pedro is a dynamic Angolan performer, composer and producer. He started his music career with his brother Lil Sain’t in Belgium, where he lived for 10 years. After returning to Angola in 2009, he released two successful albums that made him a household name in Angola.

C4 Pedro has been involved in community outreach activities and as UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador, he will focus on encouraging young people to know their HIV status and be advocates for a healthy lifestyle.

Titica is a pop star favourite in Angola. Her first album entitled “Ground” was a hit not only in Angola but was also brought to the international stage in countries such as Brazil, Germany, Mozambique, South Africa, and Spain. A transgender person, Titica has been affected by stigma and discrimination and she hopes she can turn her experience into a positive message to change attitudes in Angola.

The HIV epidemic remains a public health challenge in Angola. In 2012, an estimated 28 000 new HIV infections occurred in the country compared to 19 000 in 2001. Young people, particularly young women are most vulnerable to HIV. In the last decade, the number of young people living with HIV increased by more than 60% – from 20 000 in 2001 to 33 000 in 2012. The number of young women living with HIV was almost double the number of young men living with HIV in 2012.