Theron, who is the UN’s Messenger of Peace, drew on her experience of growing up at the “terrifying early days” of the Aids crisis in South Africa to explain why she felt passionate about the topic.

“We saw the grim reality of death all around us,” she said, but added that things were better now with better treatment and prevention.

Millions more were, however, still at risk, especially young people and women.

“There is jeopardy,” she said.

“Young people are falling through the cracks in our fight against the epidemic.”

She said she hoped the epidemic could be ended if young people were empowered to take control of their health.

“I’ve seen what is possible when young people are empowered,” she said.

“I met young people who are happy to be alive today because there was a straight-talking adult who told them about how to stay safe. This is the beginning of the Aids-free generation we talk about.”

This might be the tipping-point for the pandemic, she said, which was why there should be an even stronger focus on women and young people.

“This epidemic must end, but they cannot do this alone, and they need us,” she said.

She said young people must be empowered to become an Aids-free generation.

“Young people are the future. Now is not the time to waver or to turn back. It is time to end Aids.”

Theron received a warm applause, but a 12-year-old Kenyan boy who flew in especially to talk about living with Aids, really stole the show.

He said the most difficult thing about living with the virus was the stigma people attached to it.

The event on the sidelines of the UN’s development summit was hosted by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Malawi President Peter Mutharika, and Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili.

One of the global body’s sustainable development goals for the next 15 years is to reduce the prevalence of diseases like HIV/Aids.

ANA