Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach adds another milestone in her exciting reign. She was recently named the newest Madrina (patroness) of the Latino Commission on AIDS, lending her voice to the important cause of educating the world about AIDS prevention and giving support to her Miss Universe advocacy to raise AIDS awareness among the youth.
Pia spoke eloquently during the Latino Commission on AIDS Cielo Gala calling for an end to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. The Madrina title followed her being named in February as official ambassador of HIV prevention by the New York-based Aid for Aids organization.
“I am so honored to be this year’s Madrina for the Latino Commission on AIDS. I am so excited to finally give a talk on HIV awareness after a long time of training and visits (sic) in different AIDS organizations. I thank you all for accepting me as a part of your family and trusting me to be the spokesperson for this cause. I feel so welcome,” Wurtzbach said upon accepting the task succeeding Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega.
The Latino Commission on AIDS is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. A coalition of Latino leaders founded the agency in 1990 in response to the critical, unmet need for HIV prevention and care for Latino communities, spread in more than 40 states including Puerto Rico. The Commission spearheads health advocacy for Latinos, promoting HIV education, developing model prevention programs for high-risk communities, and building capacity in community organizations and to mobilize an effective Latino community response to the health crisis created by HIV/AIDS.
Pia has also acted as one of the ambassadors for the US National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) held on May 8-14, along with Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan, joining celebrities, athletes and entrepreneurs who are volunteer champions for women’s health issues.
“I am happy to be part of this. Let’s start to take steps toward a healthier life. Nothing is more attractive than a woman who knows how to take care of herself in all aspects of her life, especially in her health,” Wurtzbach said as ambassador to help the Office on Women’s Health promote the NWHW to women and in their communities.
Wurtzbach has been working hard as a strong advocate for HIV awareness and prevention since winning Miss Universe. She publicly tested for HIV in New York in January to help efforts in decreasing the stigma of the disease. She attended a workshop focusing on global statistics, HIV and its relation with the LGBT community, gender and sexuality. She has also toured the Aid for Aids organization’s medicine storage to familiarize her with the advancements on HIV and AIDS management and to learn more about the organization’s services and the issues involved in HIV/AIDS.
Meanwhile, Pia will take a break from her HIV advocacy activities to take part in the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day as guest of honor at the Philippine Independence Ball to be held at the Teaneck Marriott Hotel in Teaneck, New Jersey on June 10. Pia could have surely added excitement to thousands of revelers expected to witness the Philippine Independence Day Parade to be staged by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) on June 5 along Madison Ave. in Manhattan, New York City. However, due to her commitment to the Miss Universe Organization, Pia will grace the 2016 Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, happening on the same date on June 5, to return the favor to Miss USA 2015 Olivia Jordan when she crowns her successor. Jordan visited Manila to see Pia relinquished her Bb. Pilipinas title.