Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been appointed as the new international Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, the joint UN programme on AIDS and HIV. The announcement was made at the UN headquarters by UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe on the sidelines of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.
In her new role she will help raise awareness on issues related to stopping new HIV infections in children and advocate for increased access to antiretroviral treatment. Her main focus will be to advocate for the global plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. This plan was launched at the UN in June 2011 and focuses on 22 countries including India, which account for more than 90% of all new HIV infections among children.
On being bestowed with this honour, Aishwarya said "I am honoured to accept this appointment. Spreading awareness on health issues specially related to women and children has always been a priority for me and now as a new mother I can personally relate to this — the joys and concerns of every mother and the hopes that we have for our children."