July 29, 2013
Theron Pledges Help in AIDS Fight
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Actress Charlize Theron has pledged her support in the campaign against AIDS during a meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma.
Theron, an ambassador for the United Nations program on AIDS, met Zuma in Pretoria on Monday to discuss the fight against AIDS in South Africa and across the continent.
The South Africa-born actress says the world has the ability to usher in "an AIDS-free generation," and that the goal can become a reality with strong leadership like that displayed by Zuma.
According to UNAIDS, South Africa has reduced the number of new HIV infections by 12 percent in the last two years. Last year, more than 8 million HIV tests were done. However, South Africa wants citizens to get tested at least once a year.
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
