PAU EN SU PRUEBA DEL HIV

Noviembre 30, 2015

New York, NY – November 30 2015 — Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega today appeared at the Latino Commission on AIDS to help raise awareness for World AIDS Day, December 1st. World AIDS Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness globally about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and remembering those who have passed. Vega participated in the event by being tested and sharing her commitment to this cause.

Hispanics/Latinos, the largest minority group in the U.S., are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The tremendous impact of the epidemic continues to affect the health and wellbeing of Latinos across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Latinos in the U.S. represent 18.3% (U.S. Census Bureau) of the population but account for 21.3% of the new HIV infections (according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, CDC).

“As the epidemic continues to devastate families across the country and the world, it is important to make HIV testing a routine part of health screening, and that we continue to advocate for increased access to culturally and linguistically competent medical care for those living with HIV/AIDS”, stated Guillermo Chacón, President, of the Latino Commission on AIDS.

“We must follow the great example set by Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, who today is serving as a role model for young adults by getting tested for HIV.” Concluded Guillermo Chacon

“As Miss Universe 2014, I support knowing your HIV status, and will continue to work on increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and their reproductive rights. I am particularly invested in supporting young women and educating them about the continued threat of the HIV & AIDS epidemic,” stated Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega. “It is very important to get tested for HIV. If you know you are HIV negative you can continue doing everything in your power to stay negative and safe from HIV. If you find out you are positive, you can seek medical care and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is very important that people understand that HIV is a manageable chronic condition if you receive treatment and stay in care.”