Talking about HIV is on top of Pia Wurtzbach’s list

Now that she has everyone's attention, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach wants you, you, and you to get tested for HIV.

During her Charity Day on Wednesday, the confidently-beautiful-with-a-cause Wurtzbach met with UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander and other advocates of fighting the "hidden epidemic" that is quickly spreading in the Philippines.

Wurtzbach also spent time with young people living with HIV and learned more about their experiences.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, accompanied by Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. chair Stella Marquez-Araneta and AFP Medical Center commander Colonel Joseph Acosta, listens to stories and experiences shared by young people involved in the HIV response, as well as those who have acquired the virus. PHOTOS: Unicef

“It is shocking that the Philippines has one of the fastest-growing rates of HIV infection in the world. Many of those who get infected are young people,"  Wurtzbach said. "I want to use my voice to help lift up those who are living with HIV and to bring awareness to young people who do not know how to protect themselves against this virus.”

Wurtzbach has been talking openly about the disease every chance she gets and she's scheduled to take a public test for the virus once she gets back to New York—doing exactly what she says makes her worthy of wearing the Miss Universe crown: "If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I would raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country which is the Philippines."

The Philippines has one of the fastest growing rates of HIV infection in the world. The country is one of only nine countries globally where the number of new HIV cases has increased by over 25 per cent. Also, new HIV infections among 15-19 year old Filipinos have risen by 50 per cent over four years from 2010-2014.

The statistics in the Philippines are more than alarming: According to the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey (YAFSS), 70% of young people's sexual interactions are unprotected—making them highly vulnerable to get infected. More distressing data shows that the rate of new HIV cases among 15- to 19-year-old Filipinos are up by 50%.

“What we can do as a country is to talk about what is happening and what this means for our country and for our children. We should encourage discussion and come together to find solutions," Wurtzbach said, "Ordinary Filipinos like you and me have the power to stop the spread of HIV. Change should start from ourselves by knowing what HIV is, how to prevent it and knowing our status by getting tested.”

Shame also surrounds the mere act of getting tested for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections. Wurtzbach hopes that by taking the tests, she'll inspire people to the same by showing that it's not a big deal.

Pia receives tokens from UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander, HIV advocates and young people living with HIV after listening to their stories.

“Pia can use her good communication skills to raise the alarm over the issue on HIV. She is a social figure to whom the youth can relate to easily especially in this age of social media," says Bb. Pilipinas chair Stella Araneta, "I am confident that she is the perfect voice for this cause." — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News