Anand becomes Avahan HIV-AIDS ambassador

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Anand becomes Avahan HIV-AIDS ambassador

United News of India: Mumbai, April 20, 2006

Avahan, the India initiative of the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation, on Thursday announced Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand as

its HIV-AIDS ambassador in India.

Anand, in his new role, would raise awareness of the disease in the

country, an official release said.

" As a youth icon and celebrated sports figure, Anand's desire to

raise the visibility of India's HIV disease is a welcomed step in

reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with it, " it said.

Aside from targeting the general public, Anand would focus on

mobilising the much-needed engagement by business and industry and

NRIs.

A native of Tamil Nadu, Anand also plans to engage in on the ground

activities there, which is also one of the states hit hardest by HIV.

" It is imperative for all sectors of the society to join hands and

work together to contain the disease, " said Anand adding " We hope to

create a significant understanding and compassion through our

campaign as we concentrate on removing the stigma attached to the

disease and are able to bring a message of urgency and promise to

the people of India. "

" Societal leaders have a critical role to play in HIV/AIDS

programmes and prevention and Anand will prove to be a powerful

advocate in our collective efforts to raise awareness of the disease

and consequently combat the threat it poses to India's future, "

observed Ashok , Director, Avahan.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1679639,0008.htm