UNAIDS Hosts Gala to Support an AIDS-Free Future

On March 19, UNAIDS in partnership with InterContinental Genève, Cartier, and Etihad Airways, held its first-ever gala to support efforts to end AIDS in children worldwide.

EGPAF President and CEO Chip Lyons and EGPAF Ambassador Florence Ngobeni-Allen joined advocates such as Caroline Rupert and Kweku and Ndaba Mandela, grandsons of the former President of South Africa and long-time leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Nelson Mandela.

Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, opened the event, emphasizing the importance of stopping new HIV infections among children.

“The science and medicines exist to ensure that no child becomes infected with HIV. Mobilizing innovative partnerships and increased resources will be vital to reaching all women and children in need of life-saving HIV prevention and treatment services” said Sidibé.

Norwegian musical duo Nico & Vinz performed their hit songs “Am I Wrong” and “My Melody,” a song dedicated to people living with HIV.

And Florence later shared her own moving story of living with HIV and losing her first born daughter to the virus, emphasizing the impact of the recent progress that has been made to end pediatric HIV. 

“No women or parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child. No child should ever lose their parents to AIDS. Nowadays, mother-to-child transmission of HIV is preventable, and with the right support, we can achieve a future free of AIDS,” said Florence.

EGPAF is proud to have been a part of this special evening and global effort to create a world where no child has AIDS.

Learn more about the event here.