Ever since it was first reported in 1981, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the disease it causes - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) -- has taken the lives of an estimated 36 million people around the world.
While many developments have been made in the fight against the disease since then, such as the introduction of anti-retroviral drugs and the possibility of a vaccine made from the mRNA technology that was used to create the COVID-19 vaccine, there are still a lot of misconceptions that abound regarding the virus and the disease it causes.
Here is where celebrities come in and utilize their considerable influence for good. Check out a number of celebrity HIV/AIDS awareness advocates in the gallery below.
Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Pia Wurtzbach works with LoveYourself and The Red Whistle.
Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa participated in a color run initiated by DOH and the Parañaque City government last December 1.
Drag queen and reality TV star Manila Luzon urged people to get tested and know their HIV status.
Singer-actress Kitkat Favia also joined the color run in Parañaque last December 1.
International TV host & supermodel Joey Mead King has been part of Project Headshot Clinic for many years.
The actress-TV host participated in a fund-raising bartending event for an HIV awareness campaign.
Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez joined a lifeguard-themed HIV awareness campaign called #SaveSexy.
Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong also supported the city government-initiated color run in Parañaque last December 1.
The actor & TV host starred in an indie film produced by DOH in 2010 titled 'HIV: Si Heidi, si Ivy at si V.'
Miss International Philippines 2014 Bianca Guidotti She also joined the #SaveSexy campaign of The Red Whistle organization.
The radio & TV personality supports brands who raise funds to help millions of people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Former Wowowin host & Ms. Earth Philippines 2019 Janelle Tee is part of Project Headshot Clinic's latest campaign called Under My Skin.
Before flying to the U.S., Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados joined the color run in Parañaque last December 1.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was part of a fund-raising fashion gala where its 1 million peso-proceeds were donated to the LoveYourself organization.
Award-winning Kapuso actress had participated in an event of The Red Whistle organization.
The acclaimed actress plays the lead role in Under My Skin, PETA's play about HIV and AIDS.
Kapuso actor and singer Tom Rodriguez participated in the #SaveSexy campaign of The Red Whistle.
The soon-to-be mom was also part of the #SaveSexy campaign of The Red Whistle.
Singer and internet sensation Katrina Velarde, a.k.a. Suklay Diva, will sing for the upliftment of the HIV community in an online concert ceremony called Light Up on May 17, 2020. This virtual event will be live on the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial' Facebook page.
Regine Tolentino had just recently given birth to her third daughter Rosie Rignee. And while she's staying safe at home like most people, she will use her voice and influence in supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS in PIACM's 'Light Up' online concert ceremony, to be held on May 17.
Filipino girl group 4th Impact brought much pride to the country after finishing fifth in the British reality-singing contest X-Factor. And now, they're doing their part in spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention. They will also take part in PIACM's 'Light Up' online ceremony concert.
The son of acclaimed director Peque Gallaga first went public with his HIV-positive status back in 2008 during the first ever World AIDS Day campaign series by the Project Headshot clinic.
Fashion designer Rajo Laurel joined other celebrities during Project Headshot Clinic's campaign last year for PETA's HIV and AIDS play, “Under My Skin.”
Just like her fellow beauty queens, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 first runner-up Bella Ysmael is also an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness.
Photographer Niccolo Cosme is a longtime advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and is the founder of Project Headshot Clinic and non-government organization The Red Whistle, which promotes HIV awareness, SOGIE equality, mental health, and LGBT rights.