/ 23 October 2013

Singer Loyiso Bala made UNAid’s new ambassador

Loyiso Bala.
Loyiso Bala. (Gallo)

Loyiso Bala has been appointed national goodwill ambassador for the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAids), the organisation said on Wednesday.

UNAids said Bala would use the position to speak out about the stigma and discrimination suffered by HIV-infected people and on gender inequality and gender-based violence.

UNAids co-ordinator Catherine Sozi said it was delighted to welcome him.

"He has a powerful role to play in helping us highlight critical issues in the HIV response," she said.

Sozi said there was still a lot to be done to achieve the goal of reducing the disease by 2015.

Bala would play a role in inspiring youth to test for HIV and to live productive lives. Bala was positive about his duties.

'People who loved me'
"I believe passionately in young people and making a difference in their lives. This new partnership with UNAids provides me with a way to speak to them about issues which affect them," he said.

"I am where I am today because of the guidance I received from people who loved me and guided me as a young person. I hope I can provide the same inspiration to my audience."  – Sapa