Published: April 12, 2006

Princess of Norway Named New Unaids Special Representative

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The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (<"http://www.unaids.org/en/">UNAIDS) today <"http://data.unaids.org/pub/PressRelease/2006/20060411_PR_NorwaySpecialRep_en.pdf">announced that Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway will serve as its new Special Representative, advocating for action to combat the spread of the disease and to help those affected by it.

The Crown Princess is planning to generate more attention and support for young people living with and affected by HIV, and will work to raise awareness on the stigma surrounding people living with the virus, the agency said.

In announcing the appointment in Geneva, UNAIDS chief Dr. Peter Piot voiced confidence that "she will make a difference in the fight against AIDS as a strong advocate for young people who continue to be on the frontlines of the AIDS epidemic."

The Crown Princess will visit the UNAIDS Secretariat in Geneva later this month to learn more about the work of UNAIDS and meet with Dr. Piot as well as members of the "UN Positive Staff Group," which comprises staffers of the world body who are living with HIV.

The Crown Princess has been engaged in AIDS issues for some time, including through her work at the Norwegian Agency for Development in 2003. In January 2005, the Crown Princess carried out a study trip to Malawi focusing on AIDS.

Source: United Nations

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