A young South African activist, born HIV positive, will take over actress Charlize Theron’s Instagram account on Sunday during World AIDS Day, the United Nations announced Thursday.
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Nomonde Ngema, 21, will have control of the account of the South African actress with 7.6 million subscribers, said UNAIDS, the UN organization responsible for the fight against AIDS, in a press release.
The young woman has dedicated her awareness-raising work to combating prejudice and stigma surrounding HIV. She will work on the actress’s Instagram account to highlight the direct experiences of young people living with HIV, the press release adds.
Charlize Theron, UN Messenger of Peace and Academy Award-winning actress, is particularly dedicated to HIV prevention and believes in the press release that “ending AIDS is (a goal) achievable”.
But, she says, this can happen “only if we completely dismantle harmful patterns of stigma and discrimination through laws, policies and practices that protect people living with HIV.”
AFP
“I am passing my Instagram on to an incredible young activist, Nomonde Ngema, who will share her inspiring story” on World AIDS Day. The initiative will take place in collaboration with UNAIDS and the actress’ foundation, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.
The young activist was delighted to be part of this project. “I have always loved watching Charlize Theron on the big screen and have long been inspired by how she uses her influence to help people around the world, especially in our country, South Africa,” he said. -she declared in the press release.
The announcement comes following the release this week of a UNAIDS report showing how rights violations exacerbate the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV.
Last year, 62% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa were women and girls, according to UNAIDS.
Nomonde Ngema’s performance can be followed on @charlizeafrica.
