Nelson Mandela and MTV join forces to fight HIV/AIDS

MTV will produce a new 60-minute special celebrating the life of humanitarian and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela to premiere globally to a potential audience of one billion people in July 2003. The special will mark the 2003 debut of the groundbreaking Staying Alive HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, as well as Mr. Mandela€™s 85th birthday.

Competition launched to counter HIV/AIDS stigma

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on Wednesday launched a regional campaign to fight the stigma and discrimination surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Religion and HIV

There is a growing momentum for churches to become involved in the fight agains HIV/AIDS. Essentially they have no choice as increasing numbers congregants or their loved ones die and nowadays, according to one pastor, €œyou see more people at the cemeteries than at the soccer stadiums.€

Bob Geldof launches HIV/AIDS appeal

The Irish rock star, Bob Geldof, on Wednesday urged Ethiopia and its politicians to face up to the devastating HIV/AIDS virus.

Botswana's anti-retroviral therapy programme - "Masa"

Botswana is the first country in Africa to implement widespread distribution of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs through its public health system under a programme aptly named 'Masa' ("new dawn"), a symbol of hope for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Bob Geldof calls on Ethiopian leaders to take HIV test

Bob Geldof has called on Ethiopia€™s leaders to be tested for HIV/AIDS to prove their commitment to combating the pandemic.

New HIV prevention methods on the shelf

A chain of popular clothing stores in Namibia has introduced a customer-service programme to help tackle HIV/AIDS. Jet Stores recently added the provision of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for survivors of rape to its list of club benefits.

Artists join anti-AIDS roadshow in Mozambique

In the first initiative of its kind in Mozambique, 36 of the country's top artists have joined together to participate in a roadshow known as "Tudo Pela Vida" (All For Life), as part of a key HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

Sinikithemba Care Centre - a beacon of hope for those living with AIDS

The last day of July 2003 was one of communal celebration around Durban's McCord Hospital in Overport, as the new premises of Sinikithemba Christian Care Centre were officially opened. Representatives of donor agencies, fundraisers, clinic and care centre staff, support group members and their families, as well as biomedical and social science researchers were among the many friends and partners who attended the event.

Scientists and activists form firm to sell cut-price drugs

A group of top HIV/AIDS scientists and activists have joined forces in a "pharmaceutical wholesaler", in a bid to channel cheap anti-AIDS drugs to people with HIV/AIDS.