Miss Universe promotes HIV protection

The Miss Universe competition is raising awareness of the dangers of HIV by getting contestants to publicise the issue.

A Condom Olympics event was held in order to highlight the problem of Aids around the world, with contestants being encouraged to use their celebrity in a positive way to promote health projects.

This formed part of a wider initiative from Public Services International (PSI) designed to improve education and awareness about the disease among women.

Ava Rampersad, a behaviour change communications manager from PSI, said: "Thanks to today's event, these women will be able to continue being leaders in their communities and around the world, educating young women on HIV prevention and helping them live longer, healthier lives."

Dayana Mendoza, who was named Miss Universe last year, was among the contestants in the Bahamas focusing upon the way that HIV affects females.

She has previously launched new national HIV prevention projects in Nicaragua and El Salvador.

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