Oscar nominee Naomi Watts joins UN fight against AIDS

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2006

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — Renowned British-Australian actress Naomi Watts agreed to serve as UN special envoy for the global fight against AIDS and to help break down the stigma surrounding the scourge.

Watts made the announcement at a packed press conference here following her week-long fact-finding trip to Zambia where she said she was inspired by "the commitment, courage and emotional fortitude of those who are on the frontline of this fight."

"The most important message we can deliver right now is the need to fight AIDS on a global level," the 37-year-old "King Kong" star told reporters.

She said that although AIDS had not been a central concern for her up to now, "recent statistics make it impossible for anyone of us to ignore ... Given the stark...