On June 6, 2008 an exciting participatory event targeting celebrities and key public figures was held at el Urman Gardens in Cairo to emphasize the need to support HIV and AIDS activities in Egypt. 

The one-day sensitization event provided a basic introduction to HIV and AIDS and tackled relevant topics such as transmission, prevention, and the regional and country situation, in an interactive tunnel of activities. Celebrities and other participants walked in a tunnel divided into four stages going through the following series of emotions: shock, fear, relief and humanity. Within each stage, various interactive stations were established, with a question and answer station set up at the end of the tunnel

The campaign aimed at socially mobilizing celebrities, media and key public figures to promote personal responsibility towards the HIV and AIDS response and to promote the services provided for voluntary and confidential counselling and testing..

 
Key participants at the event included among others Singer Mohammed Mounir, Actress Hend Sabry, Actor Amr Waked, and Khaled Abol Naga - UNICEF Young People Goodwill Ambassador- and the active partner with Y-peers. 

After completing the journey, celebrities were asked to convey a short testimonial in support of the struggle against HIV and AIDS in Egypt. Future events are being planned to enhance involvement of celebrities and media in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS in Egypt.

The event was sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV AIDS (UNAIDS Secretariat), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and National youth groups facilitated the activities with celebrities and key opinion leaders, including the International Federation of Medical Students Associations – Egypt (IFMSA –Egypt), Youth Peer Education Network (Y-Peer) and Dance4Life.

For further information please contact:

Mona El-Ghazali       
UNFPA Egypt Programme Officer/ HIV focal point
el-ghazali@unfpa.org
Tel:  +202-25772253