Miss World calls for 90-90-90 after visit to UNAIDS centre, Moscow

Reigning Miss World Mireia Lalaguna was in Moscow yesterday to support the UN program to combat aids (UNAIDS); to learn more about their global ‘90-90-90’ mission and to lead by example in taking the test for HIV alongside MW2015 1st Runner Up Sofia Nikitchuk.

May 24th, Moscow – During her first visit to Russia, Miss World 2015 Mireia Lalaguna (Spain) and Vice-Miss World and Miss Russia 2015 Sofia Nikitchuk called for the UNAIDS “90-90-90 Strategy” to become the new standard for health and beauty. Together they were tested for HIV in Moscow, and they called for everyone who cares about their health and the health of their loved ones to do the same.

Mireia & Sofia were met by UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Vinay P. Saldanha, who outlined the UNAIDS mission and took the ladies on a tour of the facilities used in the fight against HIV.

Miss World with the UNAIDS taskforce in Moscow

L-R: Vadim Pokrovsky, the head of the federal AIDS centre, Sofia Nikitchuk, Mireia Lalaguna, UNAIDS Regional Director Vinay P. Saldanha

The UNAIDS 90-90-90 target aims to ensure that by 2020, 90% of people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of people who are diagnosed with HIV will access antiretroviral treatment, and 90% of people on treatment will achieve viral suppression.

"I know how important it is for the world to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This goal may seem ambitious, but if each of us does what depends on us – to start with, to learn our HIV status – then we will succeed", said Mireia Lalaguna, Miss World 2015.

According to Steve Douglas, representative of the Miss World Organization, “Miss World is a contest that promotes ‘Beauty with a Purpose.’ As the AIDS epidemic is a global challenge faced by almost every country, including Russia, we are proud to be here in Moscow to support the important message about HIV testing as the first step towards 90-90-90”.

"I am proud to join the efforts of organizations and people in Russia and around the world who are working together to end the AIDS epidemic", said Sofia Nikitchuk, Miss Russia 2015, 1st Vice-Miss World 2015.

Mireia taking part in the HIV Test, which was attended by the press

Sofia Nikitchuk takes part in the HIV test demonstration

As part of the visit, Mireia and Sofia took part in an HIV test, something UNAIDS are promoting as an important step to combat HIV.

UNAIDS Regional Director Vinay P. Saldanha, underscored that the world is witnessing a transformation in public attitudes to HIV-infection and people who are living with HIV, and in particular to HIV testing. "Knowing your status is the first step towards achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target. Everyone who is diagnosed with HIV should be provided with immediate access to HIV treatment and achieve viral suppression, so HIV is no longer transmitted", said Vinay P. Saldanha.

Mireia & Sofia interviewed as part of UN public relations

Mireia & Sofia interviewed on Odnoklassniki social network, interviewed by Olesya Gribok

"Our task is to ensure that everyone knows how to protect themselves from HIV. And if HIV infection has occurred, we need to provide treatment for people living with HIV to ensure that they live long and fruitful lives," said Professor Vadim Pokrovsky.

The day finished with an online interview with actress Olesya Gribok at the Odnoklassniki social network HQ. Mireia & Sofia were asked questions about their individual reigns as Miss World & Miss Russia respectively, before taking the chance to promote the 90-90-90 program.

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