Judd: AIDS campaign ‘changed my life’

updated 9:18 a.m. ET May 10, 2006

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - Ashley Judd, whose screen credits include roles in “De-Lovely” and “Kiss the Girls,” said campaigning on behalf of AIDS awareness has changed her life.

The 38-year-old actress, who is world ambassador for the Washington-based YouthAIDS group, met in Honduras with Vice President Elvin Santos, first lady Xiomara Castro, AIDS patients, activists and other political leaders.

“I always dreamed about having this kind of life,” Judd told reporters Monday. “This work changed my life.”

She was in Honduras as part of a weeklong visit to Central America.

“I have dedicated myself completely to helping others, and this activity has given my life meaning, in helping humanity,” she said.

Earlier in her tour, Judd met with AIDS patients in Guatemala and also visited Nicaragua.

YouthAIDS promotes sexual abstinence as the only 100 percent-safe way to prevent AIDS, as well as monogamy and correct condom use.

At least 6,000 deaths have been attributed to AIDS in Honduras, which has about 15,000 confirmed cases. Authorities and activists estimate as many as 65,000 people in the country are HIV-positive.

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