UNAIDS has appointed Ukrainian singer, actress and TV presenter Vera Brezhneva as UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for eastern Europe and central Asia.

“Vera is a powerful role model for millions of women and girls, whose engagement is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic,” said Vinay Saldanha, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. “Vera’s popularity and passion will encourage people to come forward to test for HIV, access safe and effective HIV treatment and end discrimination against all those affected by the epidemic.”

In her role as UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Ms Brezhneva will lead campaigns that aim to raise awareness and prevent new HIV infections. She will focus on women affected by the epidemic and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

“I am determined to make a difference in the lives of women and girls living with HIV in this region,” said Ms. Brezhneva. “I have spoken with many women living with HIV. They are beautiful, strong women who face serious challenges, including discrimination from health workers and even in their own families.”

An estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the region, with approximately 110 000 new HIV infections occurring annually. Women made up 33% of new infections in 2013, a number that has decreased from 37% in 2006.