Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 10:25 p.m.
M’hamid El Ghizlane (Zagora province) – The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has decided to designate the Moroccan artist Oum, national goodwill ambassador.
This announcement was made during the Taragalte Festival, held from November 1 to 3 in M’hamid El Ghizlane (province of Zagora), of which OUM was the “godmother”.
Oum’s influence and commitment to social causes will play a vital role in UNAIDS’ efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Morocco and beyond, UNAIDS said in a statement.
“The appointment of Oum as National Goodwill Ambassador is a major step forward in our efforts to fight HIV in Morocco,” said Houssine El Rhilani, UNAIDS Country Director for Morocco.
His artistic influence and commitment to social causes “will help amplify our messages of prevention, tolerance and support for people living with HIV,” he added.
Thus, Oum will work to raise awareness and education around HIV prevention and focus on combating the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV.
“As an artist, I have a platform that can reach many people. It is my duty to use my voice to advocate for people living with HIV and affected by the virus, who are often ignored,” Oum was quoted as saying in the statement, adding “I am honored to take on this role with of UNAIDS and I am committed to supporting the fight against HIV in Morocco”.
Thanks to her status as ambassador, Oum, notes the same source, should contribute to the efforts carried out at the national level to fight this disease, in particular the Integrated National Strategic Plan to fight HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs ( 2024-2030) which describes essential actions to strengthen HIV prevention efforts and improve access to care, particularly for populations most affected by HIV.
UNAIDS is working closely with global and national partners to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
