UNAIDS launches "Believe it. Do it." action campaign to help end new HIV infections among children by 2015
GENEVA, 8 May 2012 - The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) today launched
a new campaign, "Believe it. Do it.", aimed at bringing attention and action to the global goal of ending new HIV infections among children
by 2015 and ensuring mothers living with HIV remain healthy.
Each year, about 390 000 children become newly infected with HIV and as many as 42 000 women living with HIV die from
complications relating to HIV and pregnancy.
In 2011, world leaders at the United Nations High Level Meeting on AIDS committed to ending new HIV infections among
children by 2015 and saving mothers' lives. A bold new global plan was adopted and action is underway.
UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors Naomi Watts and Annie Lennox are among the personalities adding their voices and commitment
to "Believe it. Do it." In addition, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Whoopi Goldberg joined Blair Underwood, Denis O'Hare, Alexandra
Wentworth, George Stephanopoulos and Sujean Rim to create a public service announcement for the campaign with the message
"I believe children everywhere can be born free from HIV-Believe it. Do it."
Under the premise that 'every day is Mother's Day!' UNAIDS also teamed up with artist Sujean Rim to create a series of
e-cards celebrating families. Through public service announcements, an interactive web site and social media outreach, the campaign
asks the public to take three simple actions:
- Get the facts about ending new HIV infections among children
- Send a message about the issue and the actions people can all take
- Support a mother through one of the great organizations working with families
The campaign will be featured ahead of Mother's Day on 11 May on the American morning television show Good Morning
America and the 30-second public service announcement will appear on CNN International, CNN Domestic (U.S. market) as well as
other media outlets.
For more information visit http://www.unaids.org/believeitdoit/
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SOURCE: UNAIDS
Contact:
UNAIDS
Geneva
Sophie Barton-Knott tel. +41 22 791 1697
bartonknotts@unaids.org
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