Indian, Pakistani Cricket Teams Wear Red Ribbons During Match To Raise HIV/AIDS Awareness
The Indian and Pakistani cricket teams wore red ribbons during a match on Tuesday to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, according to a UNAIDS/International Cricket Council release. Team captains from both sides also were accompanied by an HIV-positive person for the coin toss before the match. These "ground-breaking" initiatives were part of a campaign called "Run Out AIDS" that was launched by UNAIDS and ICC in September 2003 to raise HIV/AIDS awareness, according to the release. UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot said, "By wearing the red ribbon, the cricket players are sending a powerful message across the world and are helping to break down the walls of stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV," adding, "Of the estimated 40 million people living with HIV worldwide, over 12 million live in cricket-playing countries" (UNAIDS/ICC release, 4/13).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.