Actor Huang Xiaoming attends an event at the UNAIDS office in Beijing, China on Nov 28, 2016. [Photo by Wang Xiaodong/China Daily]

The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed the celebrated actor Huang Xiaoming as a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for China. The announcement was made at an event at the UNAIDS office in Beijing on Monday.

"Huang Xiaoming is an inspiration for millions of people," said Catherine Sozi, UNAIDS Country Director for China. "I am thrilled that he will leverage his amazing platform as a gifted actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist to help end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. His efforts can re-energize HIV prevention and transform many lives in China and beyond."

The nomination ceremony on Monday included a panel discussion with young people on HIV prevention. Football champion and UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for China Shao Jiayi participated in the event and made congratulatory remarks.

In his new role, Huang will raise awareness on the importance of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, with a special emphasis on HIV prevention among young people.