Anti-AIDS activist pushes for voluntarily testing

America’s TV personality Marvelyn Brown has called for increased HIV voluntary testing for every individual to know their status as a way of curbing HIV transmission levels. The 25 year-old anti-AIDS activists recommended this while addressing a press conference yesterday, basing on her seven-year experience with the virus. “At the age of 19 I was diagnosed with HIV after which, I faced a lot of stigma from students who did not want to do class projects with me while at church my condition was referred to as a punishment from God. “I had given up hope but after learning more about my situation I realized that it is vital for every individual to be responsible for their lives by utilizing the available prevention measures. Had I used a condom, I would not have contracted HIV,” Brown narrated in her compelling story. “As I share my story across the world I intend to leave people with a clear message that it is important to know one’s status. After living with HIV for seven years, the scariest part would have been, not knowing my status because I could have infected many other people,” the activist adds. The young activist also noted that people should not rely on the hope for an AIDS vaccine that is yet to be discovered but rather ensure effectiveness of all prevention measures available. According to a statement from the Embassy of the United States of America, Brown has spoken at over 50 colleges and universities worldwide. She is currently the CEO and consultant for Marvelous connections. So far her humanitarian work has earned her a 2007 Emmy Award for Out standing National service and is the author of “The Naked truth, Young, Beautiful and HIV positive.”She has also shared her story on the renowned Oprah Winfrey show and CNN’s documentary Black in America among others. Ends