WASHINGTON, DC—On the eve of a major global political review of AIDS at the UN, May 31 – June 2, women working on the frontlines of the epidemic will call for major changes in AIDS policy, prevention, care and treatment at a Washington press conference Tuesday, May 23. 

Experts and activists will call for putting women at the center of AIDS efforts to turn the tide against the disease. Despite 25 years of struggle to stop the disease, infection rates are rising faster among women than men in many regions of the world. Today, more than 17 million women live with HIV worldwide, and three out of four are in sub-Saharan Africa. In the U.S., AIDS is now the leading cause of death for African American women 25 to 34.

Zimbabwe fashion model Tendayi Westerhof and Kenyan AIDS activist Inviolata Mwali Mmbwavi (featured in a new magazine-format report that profiles 12 women on the frontlines of the epidemic) will speak about their experience living with HIV and their work to mobilize others to combat stigma and insist on treatment and services for all.  Also: an update on the epidemic and information on the upcoming global review from UNAIDS.

NOTE TO TV, RADIO & PHOTO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS:  Request sample magazine pages to see press conference photo ops.  All speakers available for interviews.

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