The Latino Commission on AIDS, a nonprofit organization founded in 1990 dedicated to meet the health challenges and address the impact of HIV and AIDS in the Hispanic/Latinx community, has named Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021, as its 2022 Madrina. In the Latino culture, a madrina – godmother – plays an important role in guiding the development of an individual. In her role as the Commission’s Madrina, Harnaaz Sandhu will lend her voice to educate and promote HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention within the Latino community throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Miss Sandhu will be inducted as the Commission’s Madrina on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
HIV disproportionately affects Latino communities in the nation and U.S. Territories. While Latinos are 19% of the U.S. population, they represent 27% of new HIV infections and 22% of people living with HIV. Previous prevention efforts led to hopeful declines among Latinos, however, there have been serious increases in new HIV infections in recent years, especially among Latino gay and bisexual men. The Latino Commission on AIDS is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Latinos in the South program and the program’s achievements in fighting HIV & AIDS and advancing the health and wellness of the Hispanic/Latinx community in the South at its Cielo gala on October 14, 2022. For more information on the Cielo Gala or to purchase tickets visit www.cielolatino.org. Donations are encouraged.
